What is ILLiad?

OsoFast is the electronic system you use to request an item through Interlibrary Loan. It is Baylor University's implementation of the ILLiad (an acronym for InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database) system developed by Virginia Tech Libraries and Atlas Systems.

How does OsoFast compare with the BearCat ILL system it replaces?

1. Both systems use electronic submission to receive and process ILL requests, but OsoFast supports a wider variety of customized request forms to make it easier for patrons to choose the correct form for the item they need.
2. OsoFast allows you to use your Bear ID and password to gain access to the system. Also, patrons should only need ot log into OsoFast once in order to submit multiple requests.
3. You can get information about the status of your request through the Web at any time from any location without having to call Baylor Interlibrary Loan.
4. With OsoFast, distance education students may use the same forms to request ILL items and Baylor-owned items.
5. OsoFast gives ILL patrons the ability to submit renewal requests online.
6. OsoFast gives ILL patrons the option of canceling requests online, that is at least until the request has been sent to another library for fulfillment.
7. OsoFast gives ILL patrons the opportunity to edit requests as needed directly, even while in process by ILS staff.
8. OsoFast allows patrons to resubmit requests that had been cancelled previously without having to retype the basic citation information.
9. Library personnel are able to serve you better because all data about your request and its handling is stored in a searchable database. We are able to respond quickly to your inquiries about your request. We are also able to gather statistical information about the performance of the libraries that lend to us, enabling us to make better decisions when choosing a lender to supply an item.

Are there any disadvantages to the electronic system?

Some people might find it troublesome to have to log into OsoFast using a username and password. We believe this is less trouble than traditional paper and electronic systems which require you to enter your personal information with each new request.

Why do I need a username and password to use OsoFast?

Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your interlibrary loan requests. We have decided to use the BearID and password system, i.e. the same one you use to access your Baylor email, as your login to OsoFast. We have also arranged to pre-load all your contact information into OsoFast for you, so you shouldn't have to set up an account with us to use OsoFast.

What if I forget my password?

Your BearID and password are all you should need to get into OsoFast. If you attempt to log in with that information and access is denied, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office (BU_ILS@baylor.edu or 254-710-2340) for assistance.

What Web browser should I use?

You need a Web browser that can handle forms, tables, and preferrably Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). We recommend the current versions of either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?

Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your interlibrary loan requests, you can take the following steps:

• Access OsoFast only from your personal computer or an otherwise secure workstation.
• Access OsoFast from a public workstation in the Interlibrary Loan office in the library. These computers are supervised by the library staff.
• When using a public access workstation:
  1. Simply Logoff the computer when you are finished using it so that the web browser cache will be cleared.
  2. Delete from the history file those pages that contain your personal information.
  3. Exit from the Web browser before you leave the workstation. This prevents the Back button from accessing the pages you were using.

Why don't I see all my older requests when I look at my request history?

From time to time we purge older records from OsoFast. Our policy is to keep requests online for several years in order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.

What is Odyssey electronic delivery?

We will ship all photocopies (articles, book chapters, etc.) we receive on your behalf through OsoFast's electronic delivery module, called Odyssey, directly to your Baylor e-mail account. Since they will be sent in PDF format (Adobe's Portable Document Format), you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your workstation. You can read more about electronic delivery on the Electronic Delivery Information page. You should be able to view the list of documents available to you through Odyssey when you log into OsoFast, simply look for the 'View/Download Electronically Received Articles' button on the OsoFast Main Menu.

Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about OsoFast?

InterLibrary Loan office at (254)710-2340 or (254)710-4457 or e-mail to BU_ILS@baylor.edu

Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

The Active Server Pages technology that we use to prived live reporting for the web sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use ILL web pages and OsoFast without any problems.