Tools
Interlibrary Loan FAQ
Welcome to Interlibrary Loan (ILL). ILL provides materials
that are not owned by the King County Library system.
Before submitting a request
to ILL, check the KCLS catalog to make sure we don’t already own the
item.
Please read the following information before completing a request
form.
Who may use ILL?
You may use our Interlibrary Loan service if you have a valid King County Library
card. If your card is blocked or you have overdue items, your request may be
delayed.
Seattle residents with reciprocal cards are not eligible to use Interlibrary
Loan through the King County Library System. Please see the SPL
FAQ for more information.
- Books, unless they are published within the last year
- Newspapers on Microfilm
- Photocopies of specific pages from journals and newspapers
- Photocopies of specific information from genealogy or other non-circulating materials
- Thesis and dissertations
- Government documents
- Reports and conference proceedings
- Music scores
- Books published in the current year
- Audio/visual materials
- Computer software
- Items we already own, even if our copies are Reference or have holds
How long does it take?
Typically 2-4 weeks, depending upon the number of libraries who own
the item and its availability. Obscure items take longer.
Are there any fees?
KCLS does not charge any fees but sometimes the lending libraries that own
the item charge a lending fee. This can be $5.00 to $20.00. Please indicate
how much, if any, you are willing to pay on the request form. The lending
fee is payable at the time you pick up the material.
Are there any limits?
Yes, you may have up to 20 active ILL requests at any given time.
How are patrons notified?
You will receive an automated message by phone, e-mail or U. S. mail depending
on which option you have chosen in your patron record. This is the same way
you are notified to pick up holds. If you need to know the option you chose
or would like to change your option, please contact your local library.
Where should ILL materials be picked up?
Materials will be sent to the King County library you chose on the request
form. Photocopies will be mailed.
Where should ILL materials be returned?
Materials may be returned to any King
County library branch. Please do not
return to other library systems (i.e. Seattle Public, Renton Public, Pierce
County, or Tacoma Public) even if we borrowed the material from that library.
How long may ILL materials be kept?
Generally the loan period is three weeks with no renewals. In order to keep
good borrowing relations with other libraries, we ask that you read ILL materials
first so we can return them on time. If you still need the material we can
try to request it from a different library.
How can the status of a request be checked?
Give KCLS a call or e-mail to check on the status of your request: (425) 369-3492, illdept@kcls.org.
Last Updated: September 12, 2007