An Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a request to libraries in the United States or Canada for items not owned by the Santa Clara County Library District. This service is available to patrons with active library cards. There is a $4.00 non-refundable processing fee for each submitted ILL request.
How To Make A Request
- Use WorldCat to search for items available for Interlibrary Loan from other library systems.
- See the WorldCat Search Guide for help.
- Then make an Interlibrary Loan Request in-person or online.
- In Person: Make an ILL Request at any reference desk during open hours at any of our libraries.
- Online: Use WorldCat to submit an ILL Request online.
- We will notify you when your items are ready for pickup. ILL items are held for pickup at the Accounts desk.
Requesting Special Materials or New Items
- Certain special collections, hard-to-find items, or multimedia formats (such as genealogy, reference, print periodicals, and audio/visual) may not be available though Interlibrary Loan.
- Newer items (i.e. published within the last twelve months) are often not available through ILL. You may recommend newer titles for our library collection by submitting a Suggest a Purchase form online, or at your local library's reference desk.
- We will notify you if the ILL item you requested is unavailable. The $4 ILL Request Fee is non-refundable.
Fees
Request Fee
- There is a $4.00 non-refundable processing fee for each submitted ILL request.
- Some libraries charge an additional fee to lend materials from their collection.
- You will be given the opportunity to indicate what, if anything, you are willing to pay in addition to the $4.00 ILL request fee.
Overdue Fine
- $1.00 per day overdue is charged for each ILL item.
Lost, Damaged, or Incomplete Fine
- Amount charged by the lending library.
- While most libraries charge their actual replacement cost, some libraries charge $150.00 or more per lost item.
- A Lost Charge will be applied if the item is more than 4 weeks overdue.
- If you return the item after our library has paid the lending library’s lost charges, the Lost Charge is not refundable.
How To Find and Request Items with WorldCat Search
- Open WorldCat search.
- Under search tools, check the box for "Libraries Worldwide."
- Search for your item.
Once you have located the correct version of the item you want (i.e. title, author, format, edition, publication date, etc.), click on the title of the item to select it.
- Select the "Request Item through Interlibrary Loan ($4 Fee)" button.
- When placing your request from outside of the library, enter your library card number and pin.
- You will then be taken to the Interlibrary Loan Request form.
- Fill in the required fields and click "Submit."
- You will see a confirmation page with your Interlibrary Loan Request number.
- The form will be sent directly to our ILL Department for processing. ILL Requests can take 2-3 weeks to be fulfilled.
"Library Use Only" Items
Certain ILL items are for “Library Use Only.” The ILL item will be available from the Accounts Desk at your SCCLD Library for use in the library during regular library hours.
- You must return the ILL item to the Accounts Desk before leaving the library.
- Inform the clerk at the Accounts Desk if you wish to continue to use the item or are ready to return the item early.
- You may continue to use the ILL item until the due date shown in your account and on the item as the “Pickup by Date.”
Loan Periods and Returns
The lending library dictates the due date of the Interlibrary Loan item, so the check-out time allowed for your item may be shorter or longer than our normal loan periods.
- The due date for the item is visible in your library account and on the ILL item.
- Return ILL items to the Accounts Desk in the library. Do not return through the bookdrop or automatic return.
Renewing ILL Items
Request a renewal of your ILL item 3-7 days prior to the due date by contacting the Interlibrary Loan Department at ill@lib.sccgov.org or 408-293-2326 ext. 3013.
- We will contact the lending library, and let you know if your renewal request is approved.
- If the renewal is not approved and the item is returned after the due date, overdue charges will apply.
Cancelling ILL Requests
To cancel your ILL request, email ill@lib.sccgov.org or call 408-293-2326 ext. 3013.
- The $4 ILL Request Fee is non-refundable for cancelled requests.
- Do not cancel your ILL request through the SCCLD catalog.
- Neither our ILL Department nor the lending libraries receive notification from the catalog.
- The process of attempting to obtain the ILL item will continue.
Questions? Contact Us!
Contact the Interlibrary Loan Department at ill@lib.sccgov.org or 408-293-2326 ext. 3013.
WorldCat online service
WorldCat: Search Other Libraries' Collections
Search other libraries' collections for books, magazines, primary sources, etc. not owned by SCCLD. Request items through Interlibrary Loan.