Most books, audiobooks, and DVDs can be obtained through interlibrary loan. However, we can only get the book if another library is willing to lend it. Certain types of materials can be difficult to get, including:
- Textbooks, especially current editions
- Very new material
- Rare or fragile materials
Who can use interlibrary loan?
Current students, faculty, and staff are eligible to use interlibrary loan. At this time, community card holders and alumni are not.
How long does it take?
Interlibrary loan books and other physical materials are sent by UPS, and can take a week or two. Items sometimes arrive faster, but if you need something more quickly, we recommend that you consult a librarian about other resources that may meet your needs.
How do I get the book?
ILL books and other materials can be picked up at the circulation desk in Rothrock library or sent to any of the sites. In addition, staff and faculty can have the item sent to their office through campus mail. Unfortunately, we are not able send items to your home or other off-campus location.
Is there a cost?
Not usually. LCCC does not charge for ILLs, and most of the other libraries that we work with don't, either. We will always look for a free option first, but if your request can only be filled through a library that charges a fee, we will contact you to find out if you want to pay it. You will not be charged an unexpected fee.
Sound good! How do I do it?
1. From the library home page, click "interlibrary loan" in the pink and gray menu on the left of the screen--or, if you want to do one right now, you can go straight to the ILL landing page.
2. On the ILL page, click "Book Request Form," circled in green in the image below:
Use this form even if you are requesting an audiobook or DVD.
3. After logging in with your L number and last name, you will be taken to the form:
Fill out as much of the form as you can. The "author" and "title" fields are the most important. If you are requesting an audiobook or DVD, say so in the "other information" section. If you would like to pick up the book at one of the sites, be sure to specify that in the "alternate pickup location" section. If the pickup location is left blank, the book will be held for you at Rothrock library on the main campus.
Ask a librarian if you would like help filling out the form, or if you have other questions.
4. Click "submit," and be sure to keep an eye on your campus email. You will be notified when the book is ready for you to pick up.