How to Borrow a Book Through an Interlibrary Loan

Did you know you can borrow just about any book that has been published, even if it isn't in your local library? Most public libraries participate in the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system that allows them to borrow books from one another, and even from some college and university libraries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet Access
• Library card from a public library

1. Get as much information as you can about the particular book you're looking for-complete title, author's name, year published, and ISBN. You can get most of this data from a bookseller's website.
2. Log on to your library's website and check the site map. You're looking for the terms "ILL" or "interlibrary loan", but if you can't find them you may need to consult an FAQ to find out how you can borrow materials not held by the library.
3. Once you've found the link for ILL requests, you'll need to enter your library card number in order to establish that you do have borrowing privileges. You will then need to fill out a short form where you provide all of the details you've collected about the item (or items) you would like to borrow.
4. After you've placed your request you may or may not have the option to request email notification. If this notification is not available, you will need to check your library account regularly to see whether your item has come in, but be patient. ILL items can take weeks, even months, to arrive.

Tips & Warnings

• If your library's website does not allow you to place an ILL request online, call or visit the library and ask a reference librarian to place your request for you.
• If you want to be sure you can get a particular item, check the WorldCat website to find out the names of the libraries where your book can be found.
• If you are looking for a magazine article, offer to pay for the cost of having the article copied and faxed to you (shouldn't be more than a few dollars at most, and you'll get to keep the copy).
• If you haven't used your library card in over a year, check to make sure it hasn't expired.
• If you have overdue items or unpaid fines, your borrowing privileges may be suspended.
• College and university libraries don't always participate in the ILL process, so you stand a better chance at getting a book if it can be found in a public library
• In most cases you cannot request a video, CD, or other non-book material.
• Fees are sometimes charged for ILLS, but usually only for very rare books or ones not available in the continental U.S.
• If you need an ILL item in a hurry, forget it. It isn't going to happen overnight so you're better off seeing if you can order the item from a used bookseller.