Interlibrary Loan Guide: How to Borrow Books from Any Library
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is one of the most powerful yet underutilized services offered by public and academic libraries. Through ILL, your local library can borrow virtually any book, journal article, or media item from another library anywhere in the United States — and often internationally. This means the collection available to you extends far beyond your local library’s shelves to encompass the holdings of thousands of libraries nationwide. According to the American Library Association, US libraries process over 30 million interlibrary loan requests annually, yet most library cardholders have never used the service. This guide explains how ILL works, what you can borrow, what it costs, and how to make the most of this remarkable resource.
What Is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary loan is a cooperative system through which libraries share their collections with each other. When you need a book or article that your library does not own, your library can request it from another library that does. The lending library ships the item to your library, where you pick it up and use it like any other borrowed item. When you are finished, you return it to your library, which ships it back.
The interlibrary loan system is built on a principle of reciprocity: libraries that borrow also lend. This cooperative spirit means that even the smallest rural library can provide its patrons with access to materials from the largest research libraries in the country. The system is supported by shared catalogs, standardized protocols, and courier services that make the process efficient and cost-effective.
ILL is particularly valuable for researchers, students, genealogists, and anyone with specialized reading interests. If you are interested in a topic where your local library has limited holdings — whether that is medieval history, quantum physics, or a specific craft technique — interlibrary loan connects you to collections that may have exactly what you need.
How Interlibrary Loan Works
The ILL process involves several steps, but from the patron’s perspective, it is straightforward:
- You identify a needed item: You find a book, article, or other material that your library does not own. This might be through a catalog search, a citation in another work, or a recommendation.
- You submit a request: Through your library’s website or at the reference desk, you provide the title, author, and any other identifying information.
- Your library searches for the item: Staff use systems like OCLC WorldCat (the world’s largest library catalog) to locate libraries that own the item.
- A lending library agrees to send it: Your library sends a request to potential lenders. When one agrees, they ship the item.
- You receive notification: Your library contacts you (usually by email) when the item arrives. You pick it up at the circulation desk.
- You use the item: Loan periods for ILL items are set by the lending library, typically 2-4 weeks. Some items may be library-use-only.
- You return the item: Return it to your library by the due date. Your library handles shipping it back to the lender.
The entire process is managed by your library staff. You do not need to contact the lending library directly, handle any shipping, or worry about logistics. Your library takes care of everything.
How to Submit an ILL Request
Most libraries offer multiple ways to submit interlibrary loan requests:
Online Request (Most Common)
- Log in to your library account on their website
- Navigate to Interlibrary Loan or ILL section
- Fill out the request form with as much detail as possible
- Include: title, author, publisher, year, ISBN if known
- For articles: journal name, volume, issue, pages, DOI
- Submit and wait for email notification
In-Person Request
- Visit the reference desk at any branch
- Provide the librarian with details about the item you need
- Bring a printout or citation if available
- The librarian will submit the request on your behalf
- Provide your preferred contact method (email or phone)
- Ask about typical turnaround time for your library
Pro Tip: Provide Complete Information
The more information you provide about the item you need, the faster your request will be fulfilled. An ISBN number, DOI, or OCLC number allows staff to locate the exact item immediately. If you are requesting a journal article, include the complete citation: journal name, volume, issue, year, page numbers, and article title.
What You Can Borrow Through ILL
Interlibrary loan can provide access to a wide range of materials:
- Books: The most common ILL request. Both fiction and non-fiction titles from any library in the OCLC network.
- Journal articles: Individual articles from academic and professional journals. Often delivered electronically as PDFs within 24-48 hours.
- Dissertations and theses: Graduate research papers from university libraries.
- DVDs and CDs: Movies, documentaries, music, and audiobooks on physical media.
- Microfilm and microfiche: Historical newspapers, government documents, and archives.
- Government documents: Federal, state, and local government publications.
- Music scores: Sheet music and musical scores from specialized collections.
Items Typically Not Available Through ILL
- Brand-new releases (most libraries want to circulate new books to their own patrons first)
- Rare books and special collections materials (may be available for in-library use at the owning institution)
- Reference books (encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories)
- Textbooks currently in use at a university
- Entire journal issues (individual articles are usually available)
ILL Costs and Fees
The cost of interlibrary loan varies by library type and system:
| Library Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Libraries | Free to $5 | Most offer free ILL; some charge for shipping |
| Academic Libraries (students) | Usually free | Included in tuition and fees |
| Academic Libraries (community) | $5-$25 | May charge non-affiliated borrowers |
| Special Libraries | Varies | Medical, law, and corporate libraries may charge fees |
If your public library charges for ILL, the fee is typically nominal — $1 to $5 per request. Given that purchasing a book might cost $15-$40, ILL remains an excellent value even when a small fee is involved. Article delivery is usually free because the lending library scans and emails the article rather than shipping a physical item.
Academic vs. Public Library ILL
The interlibrary loan experience differs between academic and public libraries:
Academic Library ILL
- Usually free and unlimited for students and faculty
- Faster processing (often 3-7 business days)
- Access to specialized academic networks (e.g., RAPID, ILLiad)
- Electronic article delivery is standard
- Can borrow from international libraries
- May have dedicated ILL staff
Public Library ILL
- Free or very low cost for all cardholders
- Processing time may be longer (1-3 weeks)
- Uses statewide and regional courier systems
- Growing electronic delivery options
- May have limits on number of concurrent requests
- Staff may handle ILL alongside other duties
If you are a student, check whether your university library and your public library both offer ILL. You may find that one is faster or has better access to certain types of materials. Using both systems gives you the widest possible access to library collections nationwide.
Digital Document Delivery
One of the fastest-growing areas of interlibrary loan is electronic document delivery. When you request a journal article or book chapter, the lending library can scan the pages and deliver them as a PDF, often within 24-48 hours. This is much faster than waiting for a physical book to be shipped.
Digital delivery is particularly useful for academic research, professional development, and genealogy. If you need a specific article from a journal your library does not subscribe to, ILL can deliver it electronically faster than most commercial document delivery services — and usually for free.
Some libraries have also partnered with HathiTrust, Google Books, and the Internet Archive to provide digital access to out-of-print and public domain works, further expanding the materials available without the need for physical shipping.
Pro Tips for ILL Success
Start with WorldCat
Before submitting an ILL request, search WorldCat.org to see which libraries own the item. This free database catalogs the holdings of over 10,000 libraries worldwide. You can also check if a nearby library has the item — it might be faster to visit in person or get a card from that system.
Request Journal Articles Electronically
When requesting journal articles, specify that you prefer electronic delivery. This is faster (often 24-48 hours vs. 1-3 weeks), free, and you get a permanent PDF copy rather than a physical item you must return.
Plan Ahead for Research Projects
If you are working on a research project, submit ILL requests early. Do not wait until you need the book urgently. Processing times vary, and some items may take weeks to arrive. Submitting requests as soon as you identify needed materials gives you the best chance of receiving everything on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service that allows you to borrow books and other materials from libraries outside your local system. Your library requests the item from another library that owns it, and it is shipped to your branch for pickup.
Is interlibrary loan free?
Most public libraries offer interlibrary loan for free. Some may charge a small fee, typically $1-$5, to cover shipping costs. Academic libraries may have different fee structures. Ask your library about their ILL pricing.
How long does interlibrary loan take?
Typical turnaround is 1-3 weeks depending on the lending library location and shipping method. Some items arrive within a few days if the lending library is nearby. Rush requests may be available for an additional fee.
What can I borrow through interlibrary loan?
You can request books, journal articles, dissertations, DVDs, CDs, microfilm, and other materials. Some items like rare books, reference materials, and new releases may not be available for ILL. Digital articles can often be delivered electronically within 24-48 hours.
How do I request an interlibrary loan?
Visit your library website and look for the ILL or Interlibrary Loan section. Fill out a request form with the title, author, and any other identifying information. You can also ask a librarian at the reference desk to submit a request for you.
Can I renew an interlibrary loan?
Renewals depend on the lending library policy. Your library can request a renewal on your behalf, but the lending library has the right to recall the item at any time. Plan to return ILL items by the due date.