ILL frequently asked questions

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan is a service provided by FVRL that allows us to borrow materials we do not own from other library systems in the U.S. FVRL library card holders in good standing who are residents of the District may request items through ILL.

How much does Interlibrary Loan cost?

There is no charge to you for ILL service. However, some lending libraries do charge a fee. Currently, FVRL will pay up to $10 of the lending fee, per transaction. If a lending fee exceeds $10, we will contact you before completing the request and you will have the option of paying the excess.

How do I request an Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan requests are submitted through ILLIad. You can access ILLiad on library computers at any FVRL branch. Or you can visit our ILLiad web site at http://illiad.fvrl.org/illiad/logon.html.

How many items can I request?

You may have a total of 5 “active” requests at one time. Active requests are those at any stage of the Interlibrary Loan process—requested, in process, checked out, in transit, etc.

What types of items are unavailable or difficult to obtain?

Books published within the last year are generally purchased and added to the library's collection rather than borrowed on Interlibrary Loan. Textbooks and entire issues of magazines and journals are generally not available through Interlibrary Loan.

Some non book items, including microfilm may be difficult to obtain. Some libraries, especially genealogical libraries, may be willing to photocopy portions of their materials, rather than lend them, if you can provide a specific description of what you need.

How long will it take to fill my request?

Requests for most materials generally take two to three weeks. Genealogical requests can take longer.

Your request might be delayed for a number of reasons: materials might already be checked out to another borrower at the lending library; lending libraries might limit the number of items or reels of microfilm they will send at one time; or, the information you give us about your request might be incomplete or incorrect, requiring additional verification.

Will there be restrictions on the materials?

Usually not, but we are obliged to honor whatever conditions a lending library places on its materials. Some libraries restrict their materials to in-library use only, some do not permit photocopying, and some do not allow renewals. Also, we may restrict materials to in-library use if you have given us only a post office box address and no street address.

What happens when my Interlibrary Loan material arrives?

You will be notified by e-mail or regular mail (if you don't have an e-mail account) that your item is available for either in-branch use (if there are use restrictions) or for pickup at the library.

Materials will already be checked out to you when you get them. The due date and any special conditions will be on a label attached to the front of the item. Please leave this label on the item when you return it, as it ensures that the item will be properly cleared from your borrowing record.

Photocopies are usually mailed to you and are yours to keep.

How long is the loan period?

Loan periods are determined by the lending library. Most libraries allow three weeks' use, but some may allow as little as one week.

Can I renew the materials?

Renewals are also at the discretion of the lending library. If a renewal is allowed, it will be for a maximum of two weeks. Renewals must be requested on or just before the due date, and only one renewal can be requested for each item. Once an Interlibrary Loan item is overdue, it cannot be renewed.

What are my responsibilities once I have received the material?

You are responsible for returning the material on time and in the same condition in which you received it. If you have an overdue Interlibrary Loan item, no further Interlibrary Loan requests will be processed until the overdue item is returned.

If an Interlibrary Loan item is lost, all borrowing privileges at FVRL will be suspended until the item has been paid for. There is a minimum replacement fee of $40.00. This fee may be higher depending on the actual charges levied by the lending library. An Interlibrary Loan item will be declared lost when it is 30 days overdue.