Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan system (ILL) allows QPL patrons access to far more materials than any one library could possibly hold. It’s based on a general agreement among participating libraries to make materials available to other member libraries upon request.

We routinely search the Illinet Online, and the OCLC database to locate and borrow materials owned by other US, Canadian and European libraries.

Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)

You will be prompted to enter your valid library card number to proceed.

We try to borrow almost any item that is requested.
QPL cannot borrow the following:

• Recently published books
• Bestsellers
• Holiday Items
• Computer software

Who is eligible?

Anyone with a current Quincy Public Library card or a current non-resident library card.
If you are uncertain as to whether you are entitled to Interlibrary Loan services, please contact Sally at sblackwell@quincylibrary.org or call 217-223-1309 ext. 210 

How long does it take?

Most items arrive in 1-3 weeks. Some items are unavailable from our first set of lending libraries and are automatically entered into another request set, unless the deadline has expired or all library sources have been exhausted.

What does it cost?

Charges for interlibrary loan materials are based on what the lending library charges. We always try to obtain materials free of charge. If we are unable to locate a free lender and you haven’t preauthorized charges, you will be notified.

How do I make a request?

Before you make a request, first check the Quincy Public Library’s catalog to see if QPL or other RSA libraries have the material you are seeking. If the materials are not available through the RSA catalog, you may place an Interlibrary loan request for a specific title or a subject area.

You may search the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)

 OCLC First Search Database to see what is available from other Libraries before making your request. WorldCat is a catalog of materials held in libraries all over the world. For magazine and journal articles, try ArticleFirst and ECO, through the OCLC or the GALE and EBSCO research databases available here.  All of these databases index articles in journals and sometimes provide the full text of articles online.

Submitting a request

Interlibrary Loan requests may be submitted in person in the library, by e-mail, by phone at 223-1309 ext. 210, or online through FirstSearch.

How can I check the status of my request?

Interlibrary loan requests are processed Monday-Friday, with the exception of holidays. Materials can take anywhere from 7 days to 4 weeks to arrive depending on whether or not they can be obtained locally. To check the status of your requests, call the Interlibrary Loan Department at 223-1309 ext. 210.

How am I notified when items arrive?

You may choose the way you prefer to be notified that your material has arrived. Options include phone, mail or email. You may change your notification option at the CHECK OUT HERE desk. Report any changes in your phone number, mailing address or email address promptly to insure that you will receive notifications.

Photocopied articles obtained for you are mailed to the address listed in your Circulation Record. You are not notified about articles since we mail them to you upon receipt. Photocopied articles are yours to keep.

Books borrowed for you are held at the Circulation Desk. Please pick them up promptly. Books not picked up within seven (7) days are returned to the lending library. Any loan charges are your responsibility whether or not the book is picked-up.

When are materials due?

The materials have the same lending period as QPL materials.

Can I renew?

Materials are subject to the same policies as QPL materials. They can be renewed (1) time for an additional 2 weeks.

Where do I return materials?

Please return Interlibrary Loan materials to the Circulation Desk. You are responsible for lost book replacement charges.

What are the fines and replacement charges?

Interlibrary Loan materials are subject to the same fines as QPL materials. Charges for lost or damaged materials are individually based on the lending library’s fees.

What is the Copyright Law?

Interlibrary Loan service may at times provide photocopies or other reproductions.  Copyright law specifies that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research (Title 17, United States Code.) If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of fair use, that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright.

What are copyright restrictions?

There is an annual limit on the number of current periodical articles QPL can borrow from each journal title, due to U.S. Copyright guidelines restrictions.

How do I contact the Interlibrary Loan Office?

For questions, please provide the following:

Your name

Your phone number(s)

Brief title (first five words) of book /dissertation/journal

Your question

Contact options:

Phone: (217) 223-1309 ext. 210;  speak slowly and clearly, please.

E-mail

 

Every effort is made to respond within one business day. If you do not hear back from us, please try again.