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Wilmer Public Library Interlibrary Loan

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The Wilmer Public Library's Interlibrary loans (ILL) service is a valuable resource for our community, expanding access to materials far beyond what we can physically house within our own walls. This service acts as a bridge, connecting our patrons with a vast network of libraries and resources, allowing them to borrow books, articles, and other materials that may not be available locally. ILL is particularly beneficial for researchers, students, and anyone with specialized interests or a need for obscure or out-of-print materials. It's a cornerstone of our commitment to providing comprehensive information services and supporting lifelong learning within Wilmer and the surrounding areas. Through ILL, we strive to break down geographical barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access the information they need, regardless of its location. We work diligently to fulfill requests efficiently and effectively, maintaining strong relationships with our lending partners to ensure a seamless borrowing experience for our patrons. Our dedicated staff are always available to assist with the process, guiding users through the request process and answering any questions they may have.

Understanding Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loans represent a cooperative agreement between libraries to share resources. When a patron needs a book or article that is not available in their local library's collection, the library can request the item from another library within the network. This service expands the availability of information to patrons beyond what the local library can provide. The process typically involves the patron submitting a request, the library verifying the request and searching for a lending library, and then the lending library shipping the item to the requesting library. The patron is then notified when the item is available for pickup. Once the borrowing period is over, the item is returned to the lending library. This system ensures that information is widely accessible and promotes collaboration among libraries. The Wilmer Public Library actively participates in this network, both borrowing and lending materials to support the needs of our community and other libraries. We believe in the power of sharing and the importance of providing access to information for all.

Who Can Use Interlibrary Loan at Wilmer Public Library?

The Interlibrary loans service at Wilmer Public Library is available to all patrons with a valid library card in good standing. This means that you must have a current library card and no outstanding fines or overdue materials on your account. We encourage all members of our community to take advantage of this service to access materials that are not available in our local collection. If you do not have a library card, you can easily obtain one by visiting the library and providing proof of residency. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have. By offering ILL to all cardholders, we strive to ensure equitable access to information for everyone in our community, regardless of their location or financial status. We believe that access to information is a fundamental right, and we are committed to providing the resources and services necessary to support lifelong learning for all.

How to Request an Item Through Interlibrary Loan

Requesting an item through Interlibrary loans at Wilmer Public Library is a straightforward process. Patrons can submit their requests in several ways:

  • Online: Through our library website, you can access the ILL request form. Simply fill out the form with as much information as possible about the item you need, including the title, author, ISBN (if available), and any other relevant details.
  • In Person: Visit the library and speak to a staff member at the reference desk. They will be happy to assist you in filling out a paper request form and answer any questions you may have about the process.
  • By Phone: You can also submit your request over the phone by calling the library during our operating hours. Please have the necessary information about the item readily available when you call.
    • Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to provide accurate and complete information to ensure that we can process your request efficiently. Once your request is submitted, our ILL staff will verify the information and begin searching for a lending library. We will notify you when the item is available for pickup at the library.

    Loan Periods and Renewals

    The loan period for Interlibrary loans is determined by the lending library and can vary. Typically, the loan period is between two to four weeks, but it's crucial to check the due date slip attached to the item when you pick it up. This slip will indicate the specific due date set by the lending library. Renewals are generally not permitted for ILL items, as the lending library often has other requests pending. However, in some cases, a renewal may be possible if you contact the ILL staff at least a few days before the due date. We will then contact the lending library to request an extension. Please note that the decision to grant a renewal is solely at the discretion of the lending library. To avoid overdue fines and ensure continued access to ILL services, it's essential to return the item by the due date. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the loan periods set by our lending partners.

    Fees and Fines

    The Wilmer Public Library strives to provide Interlibrary loans service free of charge to our patrons. However, in certain circumstances, fees may apply. If a lending library charges a fee for borrowing an item, we will notify you before proceeding with the request. You will have the option to decide whether or not you want to pay the fee and continue with the request. Overdue fines for ILL items are the same as for regular library materials, as determined by the Wilmer Public Library’s policies. Additionally, patrons are responsible for any damage to or loss of ILL items. The lending library will determine the cost of repair or replacement, and the patron will be billed accordingly. To avoid any unexpected charges, we encourage you to handle ILL materials with care and return them on time. By understanding the potential fees and fines associated with ILL, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective borrowing experience. We are committed to transparency and will always communicate any potential charges to you upfront.

    Restrictions and Limitations

    While the Interlibrary loans service offers a wealth of resources, there are certain restrictions and limitations to be aware of. Lending libraries may impose restrictions on the use of their materials, such as "in-library use only" or "no photocopying." These restrictions must be strictly adhered to. Additionally, some types of materials may be difficult to obtain through ILL, including:

  • New Releases: Recently published books are often in high demand and may not be available for lending.
  • Rare or Fragile Items: Libraries may be reluctant to lend rare or fragile items due to the risk of damage during transit.
  • Audiovisual Materials: DVDs, CDs, and other audiovisual materials may be subject to copyright restrictions and may not be readily available for lending.
  • Entire Issues of Journals: Libraries typically lend articles from journals rather than entire issues.
    • Furthermore, the availability of materials depends on the lending policies of other libraries in the network. We will do our best to fulfill your requests, but we cannot guarantee that all items will be available through ILL. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these limitations to provide you with the best possible service.

    Contacting the Interlibrary Loan Department

    For any questions or assistance regarding Interlibrary loans at the Wilmer Public Library, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated ILL department. You can reach us by phone during our regular business hours. Alternatively, you can send us an email with your questions or concerns. We strive to respond to all inquiries promptly and provide helpful assistance. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to guide you through the ILL process, answer any questions you may have, and resolve any issues that may arise. We are committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring that your experience with our ILL service is a positive one. We value your feedback and encourage you to contact us with any suggestions or comments that can help us improve our service.

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