Department URL

What materials are generally not available through Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Software, recently published materials, reference materials belonging to other libraries, and rare or valuable materials are generally not available via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). The Interlibrary Loan staff will attempt to obtain the materials as requested, but the decision to loan material is at the discretion of the lending library.

What is the difference between I-Share and Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

They are both ways to obtain books from other libraries. If a book is owned by one of the other I-Share libraries in Illinois, then patrons are required to request from them first. The patron requests the book directly from the online catalog (I-Share Catalog). If the book is not available, or has been requested and not filled by an I-Share library, then patrons may request it through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) department will then request the book from libraries outside the I-Share system.

What is the cost for Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Charges for Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services are subsidized by Brookens Library and not passed on to the user. However, users are responsible for the cost of shipping materials back to Brookens Library if returned by mail. Loans obtained via Interlibrary Loan (ILL) become the borrower's responsibility from the time of receipt until the material is physically returned to Brookens Library. Users will be responsible for costs incurred due to lost or damaged items.