FastTRAC

FastTRAC is a group of select academic institutions in Iowa that have formed a borrowing network. Patrons from these institutions can check out materials from any institution in this network using their home institution’s ID. While you may choose to visit any of these libraries to check out or return materials, you may also request to have an item delivered to the Rod Library to pick up locally. A link on how to request books through FastTRAC can be found at the bottom of this page.

TRAC is an acronym for an informal cooperative called Two Rivers Alma Collaborative. The Collaborative consists of 11 academic libraries, all of who use the library management and discovery systems, Alma and Primo. Member Libraries are: University of Iowa, St. Ambrose University, Drake University, University of Northern Iowa, Allen College, Wartburg College, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa State University, Grand View College, Creighton University and Grinnell College. At this time, not all libraries in this network are participating in the FastTRAC program.

What academic institutions are included in FastTRAC?

Currently the institutions that make up the FastTRAC borrowing network are: Drake University, Grand View University, Grinnell College, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Wartburg College.

Who can use this service?

This service is open to any faculty, staff or students currently enrolled at any of the institutions listed above.

What can I borrow through FastTRAC?

Currently the FastTRAC system is limited to main collections from each library. Most general books are included, however, items from special collections, youth materials, DVDs, CDs and other specialized collections may not be included.

How long does it take to receive my book?

Typically books requested through FastTRAC take 2-3 business days to arrive. It may take a little bit longer depending on weather, holidays, or other outside factors.

How long can I keep my book?

Items borrowed through FastTRAC check out for 120 days at a time. Currently you may not renew materials. Any materials that are more than 30 days overdue may result in a replacement fee of $100 being charged to your account, as well as being blocked from using the FastTRAC service until the item is returned.

Where can I pick up my book?

You can check out items by walking in to any FastTRAC library and using your UNI ID. Alternatively, you can request books to be delivered to Rod Library or the most convenient FastTRAC library of your choosing. For instance, a UNI student who is in Ames for the summer may request a book from University of Iowa, and have it delivered to Iowa State University for pick up. They could then pick it up at ISU with their UNI ID card.

Do I need to have my UNI ID to check out FastTRAC books?

If you are a UNI student picking up a FastTRAC request at Rod Library, you may check it out using your UNI ID or finger scan. If you are visiting another institution and would like to check out materials, you must have your UNI ID with you.

Where do I return my FastTRAC books?

You can just return them to the Rod Library and we can mail them back to the owning institution for you. Alternatively, you can return the book to any of the libraries participating in FastTRAC.

How to Request Books Through FastTRAC

From the Rod Library home page, click on the “Log In” button to the right of the search bar. (We recommend doing this first. If you log in later, you may have to redo your search!)

FastTrack screenshot

You will then be taken to the following page. Click on the login link for “Students, Faculty and Staff” which will redirect you to the CatID login page.

FastTrack screenshot

After you log in, you will be taken to OneSearch. To the right of the search bar at the top of the screen, please select “Advanced Search”.

FastTrack screenshot

The advanced search options will appear. Select the “local libraries option” to search the catalogs of all other FastTRAC libraries. If you would like to limit the search to a specific institution, you may use the “Search Scope” drop down to do so. Next, enter the title of the item you are looking for and click “SEARCH”.

FastTrack screenshot

When the search results appear, click on the title of the book you are interested in requesting.

FastTrack screenshot

Toward the very bottom of the item’s page you will find a spot that says “Get it from other institutions” and lists the library it is available from. Click on the library’s name to bring up the request option.

FastTrack screenshot

Once you have clicked on the institution’s name, the item information and a request button will appear. Please note: sometimes the request options can take up to 15 seconds to appear. Please give the page a few moments to load the request information. Once it has loaded, click the “Request” button.

FastTrack screenshot

Fill in the details of your request. Select “University of Northern Iowa” as the pickup institution to have it delivered to Rod Library. (Alternatively, you may choose any of the listed institutions to pick it up at if a different library is more convenient.) If you have a date you need to receive the book before, you can enter that date in the “Not Needed After” field. Finally, press the “REQUEST” button.

FastTrack screenshot

Your FastTRAC request has now been placed! You will receive an email when the book is ready for pick up at the Library Services Desk. The book will check out for 120 days, and when you are finished using it, you can return the book to the Rod Library.