Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan is a program that allows you to attempt to borrow items not owned by JCPL from other libraries around the country.

Who can use Interlibrary Loan?

If you have an active JCPL library card, and JCPL is your home library, you may use this service. If you have a reciprocal borrower card you must use the Interlibrary Loan service at your home library.

What items can I request?

You may request books, photocopies of magazine and newspaper articles, videos, audiocassettes, CDs, and newspaper/magazine articles on microfilm. You cannot request hard copy issues of magazines or newspapers, computer software, books published within the last twelve months or items that JCPL owns or has on order.

How do I place a request?

You can place a request in person or by phone at any library location.

How much does this service cost?

That depends. We can usually obtain books for free, but some libraries charge for photocopy requests, and some libraries charge a service fee for loan of books. You will be contacted if there is to be a charge and you have the option to cancel the request if you do not wish to pay. You are responsible for all charges levied by the lending library. You pay for your items when you pick them up.

How long can I keep the material?

The lending library determines how long you may keep items. You are usually allowed 2-4 weeks. Most libraries that lend microfilm and rare or old books request that you view items in the library only; you may not take them home. Photocopies are yours to keep.

Can I renew?

Usually, unless the lending library lists "No Renewals" as one of its lending conditions. You must contact us at least three days before your item is due.You may keep the material while we are contacting the lending library. If they refuse to renew the item, you must return the book as soon as we notify you of their decision. If they extend the due date, we will notify you by phone or mail.

What if I'm late returning an item, or it is lost or stolen?

If you are late returning an item, you will be charged standard JCPL fines per day. Contact us immediately if your material is lost or stolen. You are financially responsible for lost or stolen items. We will contact the lending library, and they will notify us of the cost of replacing the item.

Why might my request be denied?

We will do our best to fill any requests made of us through Interlibrary Loan, but all libraries have their own policies for lending through Interlibrary Loan. Sometimes an item is too popular for other libraries to part with it at a certain time, or the book may no longer be available from them.