WHAT IS INTERLIBRARY LOAN?

An interlibrary loan is a transaction in which library material, or a copy of the material, is made available by one library to another upon request. 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. Interlibrary loan is transacted only from library to library. Individual patrons from other libraries should request this service from their own library. Interlibrary Loans may only be checked out to the patron who requested the Interlibrary Loan.

WHAT SORT OF MATERIALS CAN I GET THROUGH INTERLIBRARY LOAN?

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.

Please keep in mind that DVDs, CDs, new books and genealogical material may take longer to borrow because of high demand and reference material.

HOW DO I REQUEST MATERIAL FROM INTERLIBRARY LOAN?

• Ask at any service desk for an Interlibrary Loan form. Fill out the form as best you can or stop at the Reference Desk for help/further information.
• Download one of three forms and bring it with you to the library on your next visit. You may pay the $2 search charge when you turn in the form, preferably at the reference desk.
  • Books/Audio/Visual ( )
  • Periodical articles ( )
  • Microfilm requests ( )
• You may email requests if you carry a credit on your library account that will cover the $2 search charge for each request. We will contact you if we are not able to process the request. To email requests please fill out the appropriate web form for books/audio/visual, periodical articles and microfilm. The email address for Interlibrary Loan is ill@tadl.org

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO MAKE A REQUEST?

To request any Interlibrary Loan please give as much information as you can.

A "need by" date should be indicated, if applicable, and whether a non-circulating copy of the requested materials is acceptable if no circulating copy can be borrowed.

To avoid delays, fill out the forms as completely as possible. Please do not use abbreviations.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE AN INTERLIBRARY LOAN ITEM?

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. The $2 search charge offsets these efforts.

DO YOU CHARGE A FEE FOR INTERLIBRARY LOAN?

Yes, there is a nonrefundable $2 search charge. The charge must be paid up front or if you carry a credit on your library account we may deduct it from your account. Average cost of an ILL transaction is $30. Some libraries charge that much just for the loan that does not include postage and delivery charges. The $2 search charge is to help in a small way to offset those charges.

WILL I BE NOTIFIED WHEN MY INTERLIBRARY LOAN 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 Reference Desk on the second floor. Remember, Interlibrary Loans may only be checked out to the patron who requested the Interlibrary Loan.

HOW LONG CAN I KEEP INTERLIBRARY LOAN MATERIALS?

Typically, items are available for three weeks, 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 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. 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 or 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.