Interlibrary Loan FAQs

• What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

  If Timberland Regional Library doesn’t own an item you are looking for we may be able to borrow it for you from another library. Timberland borrows items for patrons every day from resource sharing partner libraries all over the U.S.

• How do I submit an interlibrary loan (ILL) request?

  Begin by logging in our ILL Portal with your Library Card and Pin number.  Open ILL portal, opens a new window:

  Once logged in, select "Create Request" to enter details about the item you are requesting. 

  Please note that the request form defaults to "Copies, Articles & Scans". If you are requesting a book, CD or DVD be sure to select the appropriate format menu.

• Can I submit a request on my mobile device?

  Yes, all devices have different format sizing. In some cases, when creating a new ILL request  the form options may not display correctly. If this happens, either switch your device to view landscape (device is held sideways) or click on the link for the format you are requesting:

  • Books, opens a new window
  • CDs, opens a new window
  • DVDs , opens a new window
  • Microfilm, opens a new window
  • Copies, Articles & Scans, opens a new window 

• Why does the ILL form ask for a "needed before" date?

  We process our patrons’ ILL requests as quickly as possible, and in the order they were received. However, sometimes people may need material for a project which has a deadline, after which date they no longer need the material.

  In this case, the Needed Before date is the date after which the material is no longer needed. We will do our best to obtain the requested item before that date, but if the request has not been filled by that date it will automatically be cancelled.

• Why does the ILL request form ask how much I am willing to pay?

  TRL does not charge for ILL service, but some other libraries do charge fees for lending materials or providing photocopies through ILL.

  We always try to fill your requests for free, but some items are only available from locations that charge fees. You will never be charged more than you have agreed to pay.

  Letting us know in advance how much you are willing to pay will help us obtain your requested item more quickly if payment is necessary.

  If you don't wish to pay any fees, that is okay. Just enter 0 in the payment field. We will restrict our borrowing attempts to free lending locations.

• How do I cancel my ILL request?

  Please contact your local TRL branch directly.

  Simply cancelling your hold on your TRL account does not stop the item you requested from being sent from another library.

  Please contact library staff as soon as possible if you need to cancel your ILL request.

  Please note that ILL requests cannot be suspended. Suspending your hold will not stop your request from being sent from another library.

   

• Why don't I see my ILL request on my holds list yet?

  Usually, it takes 1-2 days for requests to be processed and for us to locate potential lenders for the requested item, depending on how many requests there are on any given day.

  Your request will be manually created and placed on your account by the ILL staff as soon as we have submitted your request to the potential lending libraries.

• How long will it take to fill my ILL request?

  Most ILL items will come within 2 weeks. However, harder-to-find items occasionally take up to 6 weeks to locate a library who owns the item and is willing to lend it, and for them to ship the item to TRL.

  You will be notified when your ILL request is available in the same way you are notified when your TRL holds are available for pickup.

• What type of material can I request through ILL?

  TRL patrons can request and checkout up to 5 ILL items:

  • Books
  • Books in large print
  • Foreign language books
  • Books on CD
  • DVDs
  • Music CDs
  • Photocopied journal articles
  • Microfilm

  Unfortunately, e-format materials are not available through interlibrary loan.

  Please note that items published within the past year cannot be borrowed through ILL, but you may request that Timberland consider purchasing your request by using the Suggest a Title for Purchase., opens a new window

• Who can submit an ILL request?

  Patrons with a Basic, Regular, Mail, Homeschool, Staff, or paid Non-resident card, who do not have overdue ILL materials, lost or damaged materials, or fines of $15.00 or more on their account may request ILL items.

  TRL patrons may have a maximum of 5 active ILL requests in progress at one time. ILLs count toward your total maximum holds.