Minitex transmits scanned items or PDF documents to fill interlibrary loan requests using OCLC’s Article Exchange to libraries and MEDD (Minitex Electronic Document Delivery) a custom-built, secure web-based document delivery system that sends articles directly to the patron.
If your patrons or ILL office has not received electronic documents before and would like to receive items via Article Exchange or MEDD from Minitex, contact mtx-edel@umn.edu for assistance.
Article Exchange: scans are delivered to the library
The Article Exchange document-sharing site provides a secure location for lenders to place requested documents that can be retrieved by the borrowing library. A cloud-based delivery option is also available where documents can be accessed by staff and users of borrowing libraries, whether or not they use WorldShare Interlibrary Loan or ILLiad.
How it works:
When a request is filled using Article Exchange, OCLC WorldShare Interlibrary Loan, and ILLiad Users to transmit the scan will see an alert that will include a link and information to retrieve their document. For libraries using other software to request interlibrary loan materials from Minitex, an email message will be sent to your library that includes a unique URL and password to retrieve the document.
Libraries should forward the email, or download the document and print it to mail or pick-up for the patron if needed. The document remains available for a maximum of five views, or 30 days, whichever occurs first. Libraries should advise their patrons to print or save the document before the access expires.
When we have confirmed your library's preference for Article Exchange delivery, you will not need to indicate that you want an item delivered via "Article Exchange" on each request.
MEDD, Minitex Electronic Document Delivery: scans are delivered to the patron
Minitex offers the option of delivery of scanned articles directly to your patron using MEDD (Minitex Electronic Document Delivery). MEDD is a custom-built, secure web-based document delivery system. Minitex staff use MEDD to scan a document, post it on a password-controlled webpage, and to deliver an email message directly to the patron and to the patron’s library that includes information on how to download the requested interlibrary loan material.
To use MEDD, enter "MEDD" and the patron's email address in the notes field/borrowing notes field of the request.
How it works:
The patron receives an email with instructions on how to download the requested interlibrary loan material. Articles can be viewed up to five times or for 14 days after email notification (whichever comes first). The patron should read, print, download, and/or save the article before the view limits expire. Please note: By using the MEDD service, the user agrees to uphold the copyright restrictions applicable to all library materials; be they in paper or digital form.
Your library’s specified interlibrary loan email address will arrive when a request is filled for your patron with the subject: "library email message." The message provides the borrowing library with the applicable request number to indicate the request has been filled and posted on the MEDD Server. The borrowing interlibrary loan staff should update their ILL system to indicate the request is a filled photocopy, even though the item did not pass through your office. This step may not apply to some libraries where the request is updated automatically. Check with Minitex staff to see if your library’s process is different.
Troubleshooting electronically delivered documents
Viewing Limits
Articles can be viewed up to five times or for 14 days after email notification (whichever comes first), and the patron can read, print, download, and/or save the article. If you need a reset of the document viewing limits, send a message including your request number, your email, and your library name or code to mtx-edel@umn.edu, or call 612-625-8318 and supply the request information.
Size limits
There may be limits on the size of scans. Longer articles or those that are image-heavy can increase the size of the final document.
Image quality
Original materials that are in poor condition often limit the ability to provide good quality scans.
Problems with downloading files
Allow enough time for your computer to completely download the article before clicking multiple times causing the viewing limits to expire. This is most common when the user receives a very large file and/or when their Internet connection is slow.
Where does your computer save downloaded files?
Try checking your computer's download folder. That will commonly be found in the following location:
- Windows operating systems: c:\users\yourname\downloads
- Macintosh operating systems: home folder (your name/Downloads).
There may have been a different folder specified for saving downloads. Check your browser’s "tools" and "options," or "Internet options" to see where your file might have been saved.
Browser popup blockers, ad blockers, java blockers, and flash blockers
These tools may prevent your document from downloading. To retrieve the item, turn them off temporarily, or, if available to you, try downloading your article using a different browser on your computer that does not have blocker-type programs installed.
Mobile devices
You may encounter problems trying to view a document on a mobile device. If so, please try viewing the document on a desktop. Note that the MEDD software is not currently optimized for viewing on mobile devices.
If the computer has a very old version of Adobe Reader you may need to download an update to retrieve the document on your computer.
