What is Interlibrary Loan?

The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) department borrows materials from other libraries across the nation. This gives library customers access to books, movies and many other items which are not owned by TSCPL.

Who may request an Interlibrary Loan?

TSCPL customers with a library card in good standing are qualified to use this service. Information about getting a library card is available on the library’s website.
   
What may be requested through Interlibrary Loan?

• Books, including Large Print books and foreign language materials
• Audio/visual materials such as DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks
• Photocopies of articles from magazines, journals, and newspapers
• Microfilm (newspapers, public records, etc)

What may not be requested through Interlibrary Loan?

• Any material owned by TSCPL
• Complete issues of a magazine or newspaper
• Videogames like those for Playstation, Xbox or Wii
• E-books

Does it cost anything to borrow through Interlibrary Loan?

TSCPL charges a $1 fee for each filled Interlibrary Loan request to help cover the cost of delivering items between libraries. If we are not able to borrow the item there will be no charge.

In most cases there is no other cost to borrow Interlibrary Loan materials. A few libraries do charge a lending fee which the customer must agree to pay before we can borrow the item. Please indicate on your request the maximum amount you are willing to pay in case the only possibility of borrowing the item is from a library who charges.
   
How do I request an Interlibrary Loan?

Request Online
Use FirstSearch to find the item you would like to request and click on the title. Click the red ILL button and log in using your library card.

Request at the Library
Come in to TSCPL and make a request with a reference librarian.

Is there a limit to how many requests I may place?

There is a limit of 10 “active” requests per customer. A request is active from the time it is submitted until the item is marked returned by ILL staff or if it is cancelled.

How long does it take to get materials?

On average it takes about 10 days to borrow an Interlibrary Loan item. The actual time can vary from several days to a month or longer, depending on a number of factors including the location of the lending library, shipping method, and processing required. Popular or rare items may take significantly longer to borrow as they may not be checked in at the libraries who own them.

What if I need the material before a certain date?

If you need the material before a specific date, enter the date in the “Not Wanted After Date” field. This is the date when Interlibrary Loan staff and computer systems will stop trying to borrow the item. If you do not specify a specific date, staff will continue searching until the request is filled or a thorough search has eliminated all possible avenues.

How will I be notified about this request?

You will be notified by your choice of email, phone, or mail once your item is ready to be picked up at the TSCPL checkout desk. Photocopies can be emailed, mailed to your postal address, or picked up at the library. You will be notified by email or mail if we were unable to borrow the item.

How long can I have to use this material?

Loan periods are determined by the lending library and can range from one week to six or more weeks.

Are there overdue fees if I turn in my Interlibrary Loan materials?

Late fees of $1 per day apply to Interlibrary Loan materials returned after the due date, with a maximum of $10 before a customer’s account is blocked.

Is it possible to renew Interlibrary Loan materials?

Renewals are granted by the lending library and some items are not renewable. All requests to renew material must be submitted before the due date and may be made online or with a reference librarian.

Where do I return the materials?

All materials must be returned to the Main Checkout Desk at the Library. Returning an item to a bookdrop or without the bookstrap on the cover may delay the checkin process.

Can I request an ILL item immediately after obtaining a library card?

Yes, you can make an ILL request the same day you obtain a library card.

I changed my address. Who do I notify?

Contact us with your new address. Next time you come in, please bring in identification to verify your new address like a current driver’s license or ID, checkbook, or bill.

What if I have a question not in this FAQ?

For additional information, please contact us.