What is Interlibrary Loan

If Los Alamos County Library does not have the book, article, or video that you need, we can probably borrow it for you through Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary Loan is a service between libraries that allows us to borrow items from other libraries in the United States.

Who can use the ILL service?

A patron with a current Los Alamos County Library card, and an account in good standing.

How much does it cost?

This service is free. Occasionally, the lending library may charge for loans or copies of articles, but we will confirm with you if you would like to pay the fee before going ahead with the request. If you lose or damage an item borrowed through Interlibrary Loan you are responsible for replacing it.

The library that loaned the item to us sets the replacement cost, and it can be quite significant. Please note that your Los Alamos Library borrowing privileges will be suspended until all fees are paid.

What is generally not available through ILL?

We are unable to borrow some items, such as current bestsellers, music CDs, DVDs, ebooks, reference books, materials from libraries outside of North America, or entire issues of magazines – but libraries will usually photocopy/scan articles (within the copyright law) or lend microforms. 

We will attempt to borrow most items, but some items are difficult to borrow and it may take more time to locate a library that will lend them. These include: very old and/or rare books, genealogical titles, videos, books on tape and CD, and titles on microfilm. Materials owned by Los Alamos County Library, but which are checked out, may not be requested through ILL. However, your name will be added to the request list

Where do I find the ILL request forms?

You can obtain an ILL request form at any desk in either library, or you can fill out an ILL electronic request form.

What information do I need to place an ILL request?

Once you have confirmed that the Library does not own the material (check the Library catalog) you can submit the request to the ILL office. You can obtain an ILL request form at any desk in either library, or you can fill out an ILL electronic request form. For each item you request the following basic information is needed: author’s name, title of book, and date of publication (if known). 

When requesting an article from a magazine or journal, you will need the title of the journal, article title, volume number, and pages in which the article appears. Any and all information you have is useful to the requesting process.

How many ILL requests can I submit at one time?

There is no limit to how many requests you can submit at one time. However, sometimes they may be requested in small batches by the ILL office.

How long will I have to wait for an item?

It can take from 2 to 8 weeks to obtain the item. Planning ahead helps. The time it takes to fill your request varies depending on the location of the library that is able to fill the request and the shipping method they use.

How will I be notified when items arrive?

We will contact you as soon as the material arrives. We use email as preference, but on your request form please indicate preferred method. Pick your book up as soon as you can after we contact you. The library that lends the item to us sets the amount of time you can borrow the book. Many libraries will not give a renewal for Interlibrary Loan books.

Where do I pick up my ILL materials?

Materials can be picked up from either Mesa or White Rock library during curbside pick up or during walk-in service, and you can specify the pick-up location of your choice on the Interlibrary Loan request form. Materials are kept behind the service desks at both libraries.

Can I see my ILL materials on my library account?

No. The ILL materials are recorded in a separate system. Every item loaned through the Interlibrary Loan system has an information band attached (please keep the book band on the book), and this will have the due date clearly marked, as well as indication if the item can be renewed or not, and contact information for the ILL Office, if you have questions.

How will I be notified if my ILL request cannot be filled

The ILL staff will contact you to let you know that yourrequest cannot be filled and the reason why.

How long can I keep an item? Can it be renewed?

The loan period for materials depends on the lending library’s policies, and can vary from 2 weeks to 2 months. The lending library also decides whether an item can be renewed or not. This information will be indicated on the book band attached to the item. However, even if it is possible for us to request a renewal, the lending library may refuse. 

To ask for a renewal, please contact the ILL Office, and we will enquire, and once we find out the answer we will let you know. Please help us maintain good relationships with other lending libraries by returning items promptly and in the condition in which we received them. Please, never contact the lending library directly.

Where do I return ILL materials?

You can return materials to either Mesa or White Rock libraries. During COVID-19 please return all materials to the book drops at either Mesa Public Library or the White Rock Branch. Please do not mail them back to us.

What if I lose or damage an ILL item?

If you lose or damage an item borrowed through ILL you are responsible for paying the replacement cost. The library that loaned the item to us sets the replacement cost, and it can be quite significant. Some libraries allow for replacement copies to be sent, but this is rare. Please note that your Los Alamos Library borrowing privileges will be suspended until all fees are paid.