Interlibrary Loan FAQs
1. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Overview
What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?
If the Warren-Newport Public Library (WNPL) does not own the item you are looking for, you may be able to request it from another library through our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) . You must be a WNPL library cardholder to use this service.
What items can I borrow?
You may request books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audio books, scores, and magazine articles. At this time, we do not request software. Other libraries may have their own lending restrictions.
How do I request an item through the ILL service?
- Click on the interlibrary loan button in the WNPL catalog (or, use this link to get right to the getting started screen).
- Enter your library card number when prompted.
- Click on the WorldCat or ArticleFirst button and search for the item you want.
- When you locate the item, click on “Borrow this item.”
- Login to or create an interlibrary loan account.
- Click the submit button below the completed request form.
How long does interlibrary loan take?
Interlibrary loan delivery time normally ranges between 1-4 weeks. The time depends on many factors such as whether an item is checked out when the request is submitted. Be sure to indicate if you need your item by a certain date.
Does interlibrary loan cost me anything?
Warren-Newport Public Library does not charge cardholders for requesting interlibrary loan materials. However, if a library that we borrow from charges for lending, you will have to pay this fee, if you agree to accept it. You must pick up any item acquired through interlibrary loan by the day before the item is due back at its home library, or you will incur a $5.00 processing charge. You will be told the pickup deadline date when you are notified that your ILL item is available.
Will I be notified when my materials arrive?
You will be notified by e-mail, if you have provided an e-mail address, or by phone, or by mail, if you do not have a phone. You can also login to your interlibrary loan account to view when your item is available.
How can I tell if another library has what I’m looking for?
FirstSearch contains a database called WorldCat, which contains records for over 50 million titles from over 10,000 libraries nationally. Reference staff at Warren-Newport Public Library can help you find the item you’re looking for, and they will assist you in requesting it through interlibrary loan.
How can I submit an ILL request if I don’t have Web access?
You may access the WorldCat and ArticleFirst databases in the library or you can ask reference staff to submit a request for you. You may also telephone or email the reference desk with a request.
2. ILL Processes
How can I track my request?
Click on the interlibrary loan button in the WNPL catalog. Enter your library card number when prompted. Login to your interlibrary loan account and view the status of your request.
How do I check out interlibrary loan materials?
Go to the Checkout desk with your library card, and staff will retrieve your interlibrary loan item.
How do I cancel a request I’ve submitted for interlibrary loan?
Contact the interlibrary loan office at 847/244-5150 x3023, send e-mail to ill@wnpl.info, or login to your interlibrary loan account to cancel a request. We can cancel your request unless the lender has already shipped the requested item. Failure to pick up a requested item within five days of notification will incur a $5 charge.
Will I be notified when my materials are overdue?
You will receive overdue notices by email or mail as a courtesy. However, it is your responsibility to return materials on or before the due date.
How are photocopy requests delivered?
You will be notified that photocopy requests are available for pickup at the Checkout desk via e-mail, if you have provided an email address, by phone, or by mail, if you do not have a phone.
Where do I return my interlibrary loan items?
You must return your interlibrary loan items to Warren-Newport Public Library (WNPL) or to the WNPL bookmobile. Items may be returned at the Checkout desk or placed in a bookdrop.
How will I be notified if the item I requested is not available through interlibrary loan?
The interlibrary loan office will either send you an e-mail or mail you a letter regarding the situation.
3. ILL Rules
Can I request newly published titles through interlibrary loan?
Titles that are at least 6 months old can be requested through interlibrary loan. Newer titles are likely to be checked out and unavailable. Some libraries will not lend new materials.
Is there a limit on the number of requests I can make?
Yes. The current limit is 10 active requests.
How long is the lending period for interlibrary loan materials?
The lending period is determined by the lending library. The average lending period is usually about 3 weeks.
Can I renew interlibrary loan materials?
Request renewals by logging in to your interlibrary loan account, contacting the interlibrary loan office at 847/244-5150 x3023, or sending email to ill@wnpl.info. Renewals, if permitted, are for a 1 week loan period. Only one renewal is permitted.
The item I am looking for is checked out from WNPL. Can I request it through interlibrary loan?
No. Our policy is to only borrow items we do not own. You may place the item on hold in the WNPL catalog and you will get the next available copy. We try to purchase many copies of popular titles, so no one has to wait for an unreasonable amount of time for a title.
My items are overdue–how much are the overdue charges?
Charges for overdue books accrue at $.20 per day per item. Charges for overdue videos and DVD’s accrue at $1.00 per day. Charges do not accrue for days the library is closed.
Why is interlibrary loan restricted to Warren-Newport Public Library cardholders?
Interlibrary loan requests cost, on average, $35 per transaction. Because our library is funded using local tax dollars, the Warren-Newport Public Library Board of Trustees has decided to provide interlibrary loan services to the taxpayers who directly pay for these services.
Where can I receive interlibrary loan services if I am not a Warren-Newport Public Library cardholder?
Residents from other library districts can contact their home libraries for their interlibrary loan needs.
Ready to make a request?
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