Introduction to the GIL Universal Catalog and GIL Express

What is the GIL Universal Catalog?

The GIL Universal Catalog is a single database of materials owned by the University System of Georgia libraries. Individual collections contain over nine million volumes, of which approximately 60% are unique, i.e. only held by one library.

The GIL Universal Catalog may be searched in the same way that local GIL catalogs are searched for individual libraries. In most cases a single bibliographic record display will indicate which libraries own copies of the item. Location and status information (which library, shelf-location, check-out status, etc.) are displayed. The GIL Universal Catalog offers its patrons a gateway to the combined information resources of the GIL Libraries.

An unsuccessful search in GIL@Highlands will yield a redirect to the GIL Universal Catalog.

GIL Express is a service being offered at all libraries within the University System of Georgia (USG). The service is an innovative resource sharing initiative that allows students, faculty and staff access to all eligible circulating material at all USG libraries. GIL Express is available to all eligible patrons through both an on site (walk up) requesting service and a remote requesting service.

Who is eligible to use GIL Express?

All currently enrolled students and currently employed fulltime faculty and staff who are in good standing at their Home Library are eligible to use GIL Express. All others should check with their Home Library to determine if they are eligible to use this service.

GIL Express is not Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Please note the following differences.

GIL Express is limited to books from libraries within the University System of Georgia. Interlibrary Loan is much more wide ranging:

Basic information:

Loan periods are 28 days and two renewals may be allowed; however, renewals must be requested prior to the materials becoming overdue.

Overdue fines are not currently charged; however, some libraries are charging recall fines.

Lost materials include the price of the item (as determined by the home or lending library) and a $35.00 processing fee.

Personally checking out materials at another USG school requires a picture ID (Charger Card or Driver's License) and confirmation in the Georgia Highlands College catalog that you are a current eligible patron.

How do I use GIL Express?

On site requesting: To use walk up GIL Express at any USG library, simply go to the library of your choice and select the materials that you wish to check out. When you check out the material, the system will verify that you are eligible to use GIL Express. If you do not have a patron record in your Home Library's patron database, you will not be able to check out material using GIL Express.

Remote requesting: Search for the desired book in your local catalog. If you do not get a match you will be shown a "Redirect" option that will allow you to go directly to the Universal Catalog and will re-execute your search.

Or you may

Search the Universal Catalog directly for the desired book. When you find an item that matches what you want to borrow, click on the request button at the top of the screen.

1. Select your Home institution from the drop down menu

2. Enter your patron barcode/institutional ID number

3. Enter your Last Name

4. Click on the button "Logon for USG GIL Express"

5. Reenter your patron barcode/institutional ID number on the Request form

6. Select your choice of Pick-up library from the drop down menu

7. Submit request

8. Be sure to logout at the end of your session

Other information can be found in the GIL Express homepage and FAQs and by contacting the Georgia Highlands College Library at 706-2956318.