Interlibrary Loan Request

InterLibrary Loan (ILL) is a cooperative service agreement between libraries to lend or borrow materials to fill guest requests.

InterLibrary Loan is a service provided by the Metropolitan Library System for guests to obtain materials not in our collection. Guests are encouraged to use ILL, after thoroughly searching our Library resources.

Up to FIVE requests may be submitted weekly in person at the library, by telephone or through the library website.

  • Library accounts need to be in good standing.
  • Guests must have a Primary or Annual Fee account to utilize ILL. Guests holding other types of accounts are not eligible.
  • Materials are borrowed only from libraries within the United States. ILL will not accept requests for items that the library owns, items that have not been published/released yet, or excessively expensive/rare items. ILL will make every attempt to fill your request, but certain items may not be available regardless of our efforts and we cannot guarantee every request will be filled.
  • Any costs accrued to borrow or receive materials through Interlibrary Loan will be charged to the borrower. Failure to pay these costs will result in the borrower not receiving the material.
  • When the requested item comes in, the guest will be notified by text message or email and will have a week to pick it up. Items must be checked out to the account of the person making the request.
  • ILL items check out for three weeks and are not eligible for renewal. If material is recalled by the lending library before the initial due date, the borrower may be requested to return the material prior to the due date.
  • Guests who do not return interlibrary loan material by the due date will be charged an overdue fine of $0.50 per day up to a maximum of $30.00.
  • Guests are responsible to pay for lost or damaged ILL items. The cost is determined by the lending library, not MLS. The guest’s account will be charged a minimum fee of $45.00 and adjusted accordingly, based on the lending library’s charge.

 ILL service may be suspended or removed for patrons who fail to comply with policy.

If you have any questions, please email the Interlibrary Loan team.