Interlibrary Loan FAQ

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What is Interlibrary Loan? Who can use the Interlibrary Loan? Is there a charge or a fee for this service? What kinds of materials can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan? What kinds of materials cannot normally be borrowed?

How long does it take for materials to arrive? How long may materials be kept for use? Is this service available online? What is the ILL Request Number that the renewal form asks for?

What is Interlibrary Loan?

An Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a request to another library system or institution for material (books, magazine articles, microfilm, etc.) that is not owned by the Missouri River Regional Library.

Who can use the Interlibrary Loan?

Missouri River Regional Library cardholders may use this service. Non-residents of the Cole and Osage county service area, fee-paid card holders, and visitors are not eligible for this service at this library.

Is there a charge or a fee for this service?

The Missouri River Regional Library does not charge a fee for this service, however, some of the libraries that lend books to us do charge a fee. This is generally around $10.00 and it is the responsibility of the cardholder to pay this charge.

What kinds of materials can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan?

Books and magazines are the main materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan. Requests may be made for materials not owned by the Missouri River Regional Library's print or electronic collections.

What kinds of materials cannot normally be borrowed?

Materials which are difficult to get from other libraries include:

• non-circulating and reference materials
• newspapers in their original format (microfilm copies are usually available, however)
• videos
• films
• sound recordings
• computer software and games
• rare materials, such as original manuscripts
• unique items, etc.

Also be aware that the amount of material which can be photocopied from these borrowed holdings may be limited by copyright law. We also can't get additional copies of materials already owned by the Missouri River Regional Library.

How long does it take for materials to arrive?

Most materials are received within 2-3 weeks. Because the process is dependent upon responses from other institutions and delivery systems, delivery time may vary quite a bit. Some materials (items which are hard to locate or are very popular) may take considerably longer than the average. A few items may never become available for borrowing. Please try to allow adequate lead time when making a request. If you have a specific deadline by which you need the material, indicate this on the form where it shows a "need by" date. Staff will try to obtain the item by that date or will cancel the request and notify you if it cannot be obtained within that time. To check on the status of your request you may call the library at (573) 634-6064 ext. 228.

How long may materials be kept for use?

The length of time that materials may be kept for use is up to the original lending library. You will be informed of the date the material is due when you check it out. We do not charge late fees or fines on ILL materials. Some reference materials may be restricted to "Library use only" by the lending library and may not be checked out for use at home.

Is this service available online?

Yes, we do have an online Interlibrary Loan form. We also offer a form online that allows you to renew the Interlibrary Loan items that you have checked out.

What is the ILL Request Number that the renewal form asks for?

The ILL Request Number is the number that is written on the yellow slip placed around your book. When sending in a request to renew your ILL borrowed book, please be sure to include this number.