Common Questions-Requesting Library Materials

These questions and responses focus on access to the NAL collection and include information on user eligibility, copy or loan requests, registration, delivery of materials, and fees/billing.


Q: Who is eligible to request materials from the NAL collection?

A: The following groups are eligible to directly request materials from NAL

  • USDA Employees
  • Libraries, organizations, and associations



Q: If I am not eligible for document delivery service how else can I get access to the NAL collection?

A: Individuals who are not eligible for direct document delivery service from NAL can request NAL collection materials through the interlibrary loan service of their local library or visit the NAL in Beltsville MD and use materials onsite in the NAL Reading Room. The NAL Digital Repository also offers online access to some NAL collection materials, particularly older USDA publications.


Q: Is there a charge for NAL document delivery?

A: Yes, NAL document delivery is a fee-based service. See NAL’s User Fee policy for information about NAL’s document delivery fees for libraries and institutions. USDA users refer to DigiTop for information about USDA document delivery charges.


Q: How do I submit a request for a loan or copy of materials from the NAL collection?

A: Libraries can use the following request methods.

  • NAL Catalog (AGRICOLA) request form: login to AGRICOLA to submit requests
  • Web Form.
  • OCLC (NAL's symbol is AGL)
  • DOCLINE (NAL's library ID is MDUNAL)

USDA Employees can use the following request methods.



Q: What if I want to request something and I can't find it in the NAL Catalog (AGRICOLA)?

A: You can use the blank request form to request materials that aren’t listed in AGRICOLA. You will need your Patron ID to login to the form.



Q: What is my document delivery Patron Identification (ID)? How do I obtain an ID?

A: Eligible customers can register for a Patron ID on the Offsite
Registration page. This page also provides information on how to contact us if you forget your Patron ID.


Q: Can I submit a rush request?

A: NAL does not provide rush service. However, turnaround time on most requests averages two business days from receipt of request.


Q: Does NAL loan materials outside the United States?

A: NAL does not loan collection materials outside of North America; however, copies of materials may be provided in lieu of loan. There is a limit of 50 pages per item.


Q: How do I request a renewal of a loan?

A: Renewals may be requested by email or by phone at (301) 504-5798.


Q: How do I check the status of my requests?

A: You can check the status of your requests through the NAL request form.

Login to the form and select one of the list or query request options.


Q: What do I do if I haven’t received something when the request status indicates that it was sent?

A: If you don’t receive an expected item or if the PDF posting for an item expires (default posting period is two weeks) contact usand we can re-send the item to you.


Q: Are there electronic journals that I can access through NAL?

A: There are links to some freely available electronic journals in AGRICOLA. Electronic journals for which NAL licenses access are for USDA employee use or onsite use in the NAL Reading Room only.

A: USDA employees have desktop access to several thousand electronic full-text journals and newspapers via the Digital Desktop Library for USDA (DigiTop). See DigiTop Terms of Use for more information.


Q: How do I contact NAL if I have other questions about access to the NAL collection?

A: You can contact document delivery service staff by email or phone (301-504-5717). Hours of service are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST.

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