Questions & Answers About InterLibrary Loans

What is InterLibrary Loan?
InterLibrary Loan is a service through which one library system lends its materials to another library system. If a Tacoma Public Library patron needs a book or a magazine article that is unavailable in our collection, the patron may request an InterLibrary Loan. The Library will then search for the item in various databases to locate another library system which owns the item and is willing to lend the item to the Tacoma Public Library.

How do I request an InterLibrary Loan?
InterLibrary Loan Request Forms are available at all branch libraries and at the downtown Main Library. The form is very simple to fill-out, and must be completed prior to Library staff initiating an InterLibrary search. Federal copyright restrictions do not allow Library employees to complete the InterLibrary Loan form for patrons. InterLibrary Loan requests cannot be taken over the telephone.
A person must have a valid Tacoma Public Library card to request materials through InterLibrary Loan.

What can I request on InterLibrary Loan?
The Tacoma Public Library can process InterLibrary Loan requests for books and other print materials, magazine articles, microfilm and microfiche. Media items - such as audio cassettes, compact discs, records, video recordings and computer software - are not available through InterLibrary Loan.
An InterLibrary Loan request can not be processed for books published during the current calendar year.. A patron should complete a Book Request Purchase Form for any current book that the Library does not own.

How long does an InterLibrary Loan take?
On average, it takes four to six weeks to process and receive an InterLibrary Loan item. The request may take even longer depending on the type of the request and the location of the lending library.

How long is the check-out period?
The check-out period for an item received on InterLibrary Loan can vary greatly, depending on the conditions set by the lending library. The Tacoma Public Library must comply with these conditions. The check-out period is usually much shorter than the standard four-week check-out available with items held by the Tacoma Public Library. InterLibrary Loan materials are not renewable.
Some items received on InterLibrary Loan come with a restriction for 'Library Use Only'. In such an instance, the item cannot be checked-out but must be used only within the Library. This restriction is identical to reference materials and microform items already held by the Tacoma Public Library.

Are there any costs associated with ILL?
There is no charge to a patron for processing, receiving and returning an InterLibrary Loan. The cost to obtain the item is paid by the Tacoma Public Library.
The fine for an overdue InterLibrary Loan item is 20 cents per day, up to a maximum of $10.00 per item.
The replacement charges for an InterLibrary Loan item is $50.00. Patrons will be charged for all InterLibrary Loan items that are not returned or that are returned in unusable condition.
Patrons are liable for any InterLibrary Loan items that are returned in a damaged condition, and for items that are returned with parts missing.