How to Use Your Inter-Library Loan System

One of the best options we have with public library systems nowadays is the use of the Inter-Library Loan Systems--which are computer systems that unite many libraries in one city, or county, etc. and loan books to each other that one library may not have. Utilizing this system is easy and beneficial!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Library Card
• Pin number (more than likely you will make when you first get your card)
• Access to the internet
• Phone where you can be reached

1. -When you first get your library card, ask the librarian about the ILL system. Most libraries have them. Ask if you need a pin #, and how to make it yourself.

2. -Go online (you can even do this at your local library!), to the library’s website, and hook up with the ILL page. Usually you will need to enter your library card number, as well as your pin, before it’ll let you log in.

3. -Once you are logged into the ILL system, you can search up books/DVDs/VHSs/CDs/Audio Books etc., by title/author/media. The ILL is hooked up to all different libraries, so you can often find what your local library doesn’t have. It is like making a request, only you can often do it on a much larger scale.

4. -Request the books/movies/music you wish, and choose where you wish to pick up your selections when they come in. The ILL system will look through the database to find which libraries have what you’re looking for, and it will request it. When your item is available, you will be called that it is in to pick up at your library of choice!

Tips & Warnings

• -Often the same site where the ILL system is located is the library site where you can access your account, check what books you have waiting, what books you have out, etc.
• -Sometimes an item may be “on hold”, in which case you will be placed on a list in order of request, for the item. When it is your turn, it’ll be sent to your library of choice.
• -Usually there is no limit to how many selections you can order/put on hold, but be careful--sometimes you can happily request 15 movies-and they can all become available quickly, leaving you to pick them up before they’re sent back to their original libraries, and watch them all in the allotted time!

[RENorton]

on 8/31/2008 Very informative. Great tips!