Questions & Answers about Interlibrary Loan
What is Interlibrary
Loan?
Through the Interlibrary
Loan service, the Duluth Public Library can get materials for
users that the Library doesn't have in its own collection.
How do I
make an Interlibrary Loan request?
You can make an interlibrary loan request in person at any of
the service desks in the Main Library (Reference and Information
Services, Popular Library, Youth Services), in person at the Mt.
Royal or West Duluth Branch Libraries, by calling the Library
at 730-4200/option
5, or by submitting a request
online through the MnLink
Gateway.
How likely
am I to get what I request?
About 85% of requests
are filled. Items that are sent through the interlibrary loan
system include books, videos, DVDs, CDs, cassettes, photocopies
of articles and newspapers on microfilm.
What can't
I get through Interlibrary Loan?
Libraries almost never
lend whole issues of magazines, high-use reference materials,
new bestsellers or computer software. Photocopies may be requested,
however, from items that are not lent. Ebooks a eReaders are not
available through interlibrary loan. DVDs of new or popular movies
and TV series are not available for interlibrary loan, as they
are in high demand at their owning libraries.
How much
does it cost?
Interlibrary
loan service is almost always free. In the unusual event that
there could be a charge, the Library will contact you before proceeding
to allow you to set the maximum charge you are willing to pay.
As with Duluth Public Library materials, you are responsible for
fines on overdue items and replacement costs for lost or damaged
materials.
How long
will it take?
Most requests, including requests for specific information, are
filled within 30 days; many within 2 weeks or less. Under some
circumstances, photocopies can be obtained within 24 hours. Materials
that are hard to find, in high demand, or held by only a few libraries
may take much longer.
How can I
check on the status of my request?
You can follow the progress
of most of your interlibrary loan requests on the MnLink
Gateway. If you do not have a computer or can't find your
request in your account on MnLINK, you can call the Interlibrary
Loan Office at 730-4228. After business hours (weekdays, 10:00-5:30),
you can leave a message. If your request is less than a month
old, however, it is most likely "in process" (waiting
for potential lending libraries to reply).
What
happens when my interlibrary loan book or photocopy comes in?
When your
material arrives, you will be notified about through the Library's
automated notification system - by phone, email or mail - whichever
notification
option
you have selected. Once you have been notified, the item you requested
is held at the checkout desk for up to two weeks, at whichever
library location you specified.
How long
can I keep my interlibrary loan book or photocopy?
LOANS: Loan periods for most
items are the same as if they were owned by the Duluth Public
Library: 4 weeks for most books and CDs, 2 weeks for DVDs. In
some rare cases, loan periods may be shorter. It is to your advantage
to pick up your materials promptly because they will not be
renewed. Items received via interlibrary loan must
be returned to the Duluth Public Library.
PHOTOCOPIES: If a library sends photocopies to fill
your request, you may keep them.
Can I renew
my interlibrary loan book?
No.
What are the restrictions on these services?
6/5/12
Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802
