Interlibrary Loan staff can help. We will search other Illinois and out-of-state libraries to locate the title you’re looking for. Most of the time, we can borrow books from other Illinois libraries for free. Requesting a title is easy, follow these steps:
What is InterLibrary Loan?
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Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is the process by which a library requests material from, or supplies material to, another library.
Who can use this service?
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Any patron with a valid NPL card in good standing (with fines less than $20) can request materials through ILL.
What is available through Interlibrary Loan?
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Books, copies of periodical articles, photocopies of 1-50 pages from a reference book (as permitted by
copyright provisions), and microfilm can be requested provided that these items are not owned by
Naperville Public Library. Staff will request single copies of books scheduled to be read by
Naperville Public Library sponsored book discussion groups.
What is NOT available through Interlibrary Loan?
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Staff will not request audiovisual materials, reference materials, downloadable items, entire periodicals,
items that are on order at NPL, materials with prohibitive replacement costs, and children’s board books.
Books owned by NPL will not be requested unless these items are not currently in circulation.
How do I place an Interlibrary Loan request?
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Once you have determined that Naperville Public Library does not own the desired material, the
WorldCat online database may be searched. You may place Interlibrary Loan requests through WorldCat.
As you search on Encore, a video demonstration can be viewed. You are always welcome to visit or call
any Adult Services desk for assistance.
Is there a limit to the number of requests I can submit?
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There is no overall limit to the number of requests that any one patron may submit. However, depending on
the overall workload of the ILL department, a limit of processing five ILL requests per patron per week may
be imposed. Items requested by an individual patron will be processed in the order received.
How long does it take to get the material I requested?
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The turnaround time for an ILL request is about 1-3 weeks from the date of submission by ILL staff to the
date the material arrives at the patron’s library for pickup. Out-of-state requests can take much longer
because these items are sent through the U.S. Mail. Another reason for delay is that some requests must
be resubmitted 2-3 times before a lender is found.
Is there a fee to request books?
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When submitting requests for material, ILL staff will always request first from lenders who provide materials
at no cost. Typically, in-state lenders supply books free-of-charge. If you are willing to pay at least
$5.00 for shipping fees, ILL staff can then extend requests to libraries located out-of-state.
This agreement must be made at the time you submit the request.
Is there a fee to request photocopies?
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ILL staff will always search for libraries that do not charge. Most specialized libraries (medical and
university) charge a minimum of $11 for photocopies of articles. If you indicate that you are willing to
pay $11, this will enable staff to broaden their searching.
What is the checkout period for ILL items?
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Most ILL materials have a 4-week loan period, however, the lending library determines the due date. The due
date for the item will be written on the label that is affixed to the book. Keep in mind that the lending
library has a right to recall any item loaned to NPL at any given time.
How will I know when the item is ready for pick-up?
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You will be notified of available ILL holds in the same manner as regular NPL holds. You will receive a
notice by email, mail or phone call depending on what you selected as preferred notification when applying
for your library card. You can also check your account on the NPL website.
Where do I pick up ILL materials?
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When placing the request, a drop-down box will appear which will enable you to select the location you'd
like the item to be delivered to. When the item arrives, it will be kept behind the circulation desk for
security. You may be asked for identification when picking up ILL materials.
How do I return the item?
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ILL books can be returned in the same manner as NPL books. The outside label and any paperwork should be
kept inside the book for proper check-in. A $1 fee will be applied if the label is missing from the front
cover.
Can I cancel a request once it has been placed?
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You must contact ILL staff to cancel an ILL request. Holds for materials requested through Interlibrary Loan
removed through the NPL Online Catalog user account will not completely cancel the WorldCat request. If the
item has not been shipped by the lending library, it can be cancelled. However, if the book has been shipped,
you must pick up the book in order to avoid a $5.00 non-pickup fee.
Can I renew a book?
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No, however, another request for the item can be placed.
What are the fines for overdue ILL books?
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Fines are accrued at $1.00 per day.
What happens if I damage or lose a book?
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You will be billed an amount named by the lending library if materials are returned damaged or if the item is
lost. Occasionally, a book will arrive from a lending library that is damaged or worn. ILL staff will make a
notation on the paperwork if any part of the book is damaged. You should examine the book carefully before
checking out and report any additional damage that may have gone unseen to the circulation staff.
Why am I told sometimes that the title I requested went "unfilled"?
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An item is considered unfilled when no library could be found to supply it. Lenders may actually own the
title you want, however, if the book is checked out, is non-circulating, or is on hold, the library
cannot lend the book to you. If you are willing to pay a $5.00 shipping fee, ILL staff has a greater
chance of finding a library that is able to loan. Again, staff will always search first for Illinois
libraries that do not charge for loans. In the event that a request goes unfilled, a notice will be sent
directly to you.
