Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

Services

Interlibrary Loan FAQ

What type of materials can I obtain through Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?
Older books which PCLS does not currently own, copies of articles, or microform can usually be obtained via ILL  if we are able to find an owning US library willing to lend.

How do I request a magazine article or microfiche?
Please contact a staff member at your local library. They will be happy to help you find your article or microfiche.

Can I request a movie or CD through Interlibrary Loan?
No, the Library borrows only books or print materials. All requests for movies, CDs, audio books and electronic books will be considered for purchase only.

Can I request a newly published title?
All requests for recently published books will be considered for purchase only. If the book has been published in the last year or two, we are unable to borrow it. We have found that we are unable to find libraries that will loan their newest books to us. Most Libraries reserve newest titles for use by their own customers.

If Pierce County Library already owns a copy of the title I want, will you ILL a copy for me, if I ask for it that way?
No. The library uses Interlibrary Loan exclusively for titles we do not own. Please place a regular hold in our catalog for any titles that PCLS currently owns.

 

How long does it take to get a book?
Generally we are able to obtain a book via ILL within 2 – 4 weeks. In a few cases, it may take longer. It depends if there are copies readily available from other library systems.

Can I renew my ILL items?
You are not able to renew ILL items. ILL is a special service. We are borrowing items from other libraries who voluntarily loan them to us, so our customers can have access to materials we do not have. We need to return those items within a reasonable amount of time to maintain good inter-Library relationships in order continue to be able to provide this service in future.

When will I know if the library is unable to get the book I requested?

• If we are unable to locate any US libraries who own the title, we will let you know as soon as possible, within a few days.
• If we are unable to borrow an item after 2 months of trying with US libraries who indicate they own the title, we will cancel your ILL request. We will, however, leave the cancelled request on your account as a visual clue for you for future use. You are welcome to re-submit a request for it again. You can ask to have such cancelled requests removed from your account at any time.

How many Interlibrary loan (ILL) requests can I have?
You may have 3 active ILL requests at any time. There is no limit to how many you may have checked out nor is there a limit to how many you may request in a year. 

How will I know if an ILL item will have a charge attached?
If the lending library charges us for an item, we will pass those charges onto you. We will ask for your approval and acceptance of these borrowing charges before we borrow that item. Shipping costs, however, are paid for by the Library.

If a book that I obtained via ILL becomes lost or damaged, what will I have to pay?
If an ILL book becomes damaged or lost while in your possession, we will assess your account whatever the owning library charges us for damage/lost. This can vary widely, depending on the book and the owning library involved. Please take extra care with ILL books.

What are reasons I might not be able to obtain a requested title via ILL request?
There may be one of several reasons why your request cannot be filled:

• Your account has reached the limit of 3 active (not yet received) ILL requests.
• Items you have checked out are overdue. How to renew your items.
• Your account has a balance of more than $10. How to pay your account online.
• Your account has a message. How to view your account.
• Your account may have expired. Please contact staff at your local library.
• The request is for material formats we do not ILL. (We do not ILL DVDs, CDs, audiobooks or electronic books, but we will consider these formats for purchase.)
• The material has a too-recent publication date. (We will consider these for purchase, however.)
• We are unable to find an owning US library willing to lend the title.

Please contact library staff if you have any difficulties with your account.