Basic steps for using FirstSearch to send ILL request to the Clearinghouse

1. Go to firstsearch.php
2. Click on  "Connect to FirstSearch" 
3. Enter your LORI username, password, and your library's LORI code
4. Click "Okay"
5. We recommend using the "Jump to Advanced Search" to carry out an advanced search.
6. Regardless of which search you choose you should ultimately get a record or list of records.  (For assistance in searching please refer to the FirstSearch online help). 
7. Click the item to view  the entire record in details.   If this is the correct record, click "ILL" button at the top of the screen.
8. Fill out the form as described below. 

   First Name: (required field) enter the patron's first name
   Last Name: (required field) enter the patron's last name
   Staff Name: (required field) enter your name here
   Library Code: (required field) enter your LORI 3-letter Code 
   Patron Phone: (required field) enter patron phone, or library or just fill in with zeroes
   Patron Fax: (optional)
   Patron Email: (optional)
   Date Needed: (optional)
   Max Cost:  if none authorized, leave it as "00.00"
   Comments:  (if you use the "Comments" field, please indicate who the comments are for, e.g. to Kelley/Clearinghouse,  or reminders to yourself or your staff.

9. Click the "Submit" button when complete and the item goes to the OCLC message file on OLIS's  OCLC account.  Kelley Lima processes all the OCLC requests.  She will search OCLC for locations that own the item, add the location codes to the request, add shipping or delivery information specifically for YOUR library, and submit the request through the OCLC ILL electronic system.
10. Keep a copy (electronic or print) of the request for your records and exit FirstSearch.
11. Kelley will send a copy of the request to your library's ILL account (xxxill where xxx is your library's LORI code).   The email will come from dslill@lori.ri.gov and the ILL request will come as an attachment in plain text format.
12. When you receive the actual item, whether from another state or a RI library, you must let Kelley know through email:  just send a message with the name of the item and ILL number to dslill@lori.ri.gov.
13. When you return the item, also email Kelley as above telling her that you returned the item to the owner.