Interlibrary Loan

You can use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request materials from national and international libraries if they are not available through our catalog or MNLINK.

Sue Gurgel

Sue Gurgel

Reference Librarian / Interlibrary Loan Librarian

Email: gurgelsl@mlc-wels.edu
Office Phone: 507-233-9156

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service the library provides for requesting materials not found in the MLC 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 may use their public libraries for this service.

Can I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?

If you have a current MLC ID card, you 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.

What kind of items can be requested?

Typically books and articles are requested, but DVD’s, CD’s, VHS, and microfilm may also be available.

Which items cannot be requested?

Loaning libraries determine what, if any, items will not be loaned.

Where does my request go once it’s been placed?

Requests placed through the Interlibrary Loan are sent to the librarian in charge of interlibrary loans.

Where do I get in-person help with ILL requests?

The will help you with special requests or answer questions about ILL matters.

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.

Is there a cost to requesting materials through ILL?

Generally, no. There are libraries that do charge a fee, but rarely.

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.

For more information, see our help sheets:

More Questions?