What is Interlibrary Loan?
An interlibrary loan (ILL) is a transaction in which library material, or a copy of the material, is made available by one library to another.. The purpose of interlibrary loan is to obtain library material not available in the Traverse Area District Library system. Interlibrary loan service is essential to the vitality of libraries of all types and sizes as a means of greatly expanding the range of materials available to users. Lending between libraries is in the public interest and should be encouraged.
Who can use ILL?
Interlibrary loan is offered to all registered borrowers in good standing of the Traverse Area District Library., however interlibrary loan is transacted only from library to library and all loan requests should be made at your local TADL library. Patrons from libraries outside our district should request this service from their own library.
What sort of materials can I get through ILL?
A loan or a copy of any material may be requested from another library, but the lending library will decide in each case whether or not a particular item can be provided. Traverse Area District Library does not request through interlibrary loan: items published in the most recent six months; items that are owned by TADL unless all copies are missing; bound periodicals; books printed before 1900; e-books and downloadable audio; software.
How do I request material from ILL?
Interlibrary loans can be requested at a TADL service desk, via email at ill@tadl.org or by calling 231-932-8502.
What information do I need to make a request?
To request an Interlibrary Loan, please provide as much information as you can including author, title and publication date. If you need your item by a specific date, this information should also be provided as should your willingness to pay fees assessed by the lending library.
How long does it take to receive an ILL?
It truly depends on the lending library; who has it, who will lend it, if it is checked in or out, how long it takes to ship, etc. It may take a week to ten days minimum, possibly a month or longer. Please make sure you let us know when to stop looking, we will continue to search until we have exhausted all possibilities.
Do you charge a fee for ILL?
Non-residents of the Traverse Area District Library are assessed a non-refundable $5 fee. Should the lending institution assess a fee to us, this charge will be passed on to the borrower unless you have indicated that you do not wish us to borrow from institutions that charge a fee. Typically, academic libraries or those that make photocopies for us are the only institutions that charge a fee. Please contact us prior to placing your request if you have any questions or concerns.
Will I be notified when my ILL materials arrive at the library?
Yes, patrons are notified by telephone and/or email when the material arrives. Items will be held at the Circulation desk for seven days after the patron is notified. Microfilm and Library Use Only items will be held at the Woodmere Branch Reference Desk on the second floor. Interlibrary Loans may only be checked out to the patron who requested the Interlibrary Loan.
How long can I keep ILL materials?
Typically items are available for three weeks, though the loan period is set at the discretion of the loaning library. The loaning library may impose restrictions, such as "in library use" or "no renewals". If you need additional time to use the material, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Librarian (ill@tadl.org or 231-932-8502) as soon as possible. The loaning library grants permission for renewals, not the Traverse Area District Library. Renewals must be requested before the due date. We cannot request renewals for items that are already overdue.
Please make every effort to return the items by the specified due date. Libraries and their patrons depend upon each other for this service to be successful.
What are my responsibilities for a lost or damaged item?
You are responsible for notifying the ILL Department if you lose or damage an item we borrowed on your behalf. We will report the loss/damage to the loaning library. They will determine the cost of the items. The charge will then be posted on your account, and you will receive a call from the Interlibrary Loan Department.
Patrons who simply neglect returning Interlibrary Loan items will find a maximum replacement value charged to their account.
Interlibrary Loan is dependent upon the generosity and goodwill between libraries. Please be careful with their property and return it on time.