Sue Gurgel
Interlibrary Loan Librarian
Interlibrary Loan
If materials are not available through our MLC and the TdS Online Catalog or MNLINK, you can use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request materials from national and international libraries.
To make a request, click on the red button on the left, “ILL Request.”
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is actually a service the library provides patrons for requesting materials not found in the MLC and the TdS Online Catalog or MNLINK Catalog. You can find these materials by using OCLC’s WorldCat. This service is available free for current MLC students, faculty, and staff. MLC guests should use their public libraries for this service.
Who can request materials?
Can I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?
Current MLC students, faculty, and staff are eligible to use this service.
How long does it take?
It will depend on the availability of the item and the location of the lending library. Materials may arrive in a few days, or take several weeks to get here.
How long can items be kept?
The lending library determines the due date. Usually, materials are given 3-5 weeks as a lending period.
Is there a cost to requesting materials through ILL?
Generally, no. There are libraries that do charge a fee, but rarely.
Where do I get in-person help with ILL requests?
The ILL Librarian will help you with special requests or answer questions about ILL matters.
What materials can be requested?
What kind of items can be requested?
Typically books and articles are requested, but DVDs, CDs, VHS, and microfilm may also be available.
Which items cannot be requested?
Loaning libraries determine what, if any, items will not be loaned.
Renewals and Returns
Can ILL materials be renewed?
Renewals for ILL materials are determined by the lending library. If you need to hold onto your material longer than the initial lending period, a request is made to the lending library to extend the loan. Please contact the ILL Librarian at least one day before your item’s expiration date to process this request.
When I am done using the ILL items, where should I return them?
Return the ILL materials like other loaned materials from the library. Please remember to include any paperwork that came with your materials when returning the item.
