InterLibrary Loan (ILL) is a great tool for researchers or anyone who needs access to materials that are not available within the collections of the 26 participating Westmoreland Library Network libraries. The ILL staff can borrow items from libraries around the Commonwealth and across the country.
Who can make an ILL request?
Any patron with an active Westmoreland Library Network card can make an ILL request.
Is it free to make an ILL request?
Most of the time, the ILL service is free to the patron. The ILL staff works very hard to obtain materials from libraries that do not charge a lending fee. In some cases, however, the ILL staff may only be able to find the material you are requesting at a library that charges a lending fee. When placing your request, you have the opportunity to choose whether or not you agree to pay a fee in order to obtain the material. If you choose “yes” and the material is sent by a library that charges, you are required to pay the fee whether you pick up the material or not.
What types of materials can be requested through ILL?
You can make requests for books, large print materials, audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs. Keeping in mind that it is often difficult to obtain certain reference books or other rare items. The ILL staff cannot request materials that the library already owns in its collection, or materials that have been published within the last six months.
What information is required to make an ILL request?
When making an ILL request, you must give your name, phone number, and Library Card number. The ILL staff also requires as much information about the item as you have, for example, the title, the author or artist (if applicable), the type of material you are requesting, and whether or not you are willing to pay any charges that the lending library may require in order to send the material.
Will the ILL staff be able to obtain everything I request?
Requesting material through ILL does not guarantee that the Library will be able to obtain it for you. You will be notified If your ILL request cannot be filled.
How long will it take for my request to come in?
You should allow at least two to four weeks for your ILL requests to come in. If you are requesting more than one book or item, they may not arrive from the same library or at the same time. ILL requests placed by Delmont Public Library staff must be picked up from and returned to the Delmont Public Library
When will my ILL material be due?
The lending library determines how long you may keep the material. Usually you will be able to keep it between three to four weeks. The lending library reserves the right to recall the material at any time or to require that it be used in the library only. You will be notified when the material has arrived, and you should plan to pick it up promptly so you have as much time with it as possible. If the ILL material is lost or damaged, you will be charged a fee determined by the lending library.
Can I renew my ILL material?
Contact the Delmont Public Library at least three days prior to the due date in order to request a renewal. Only the lending library has the ability to grant a renewal. If the renewal request is denied, the material must be returned. No overdue fines will be charged while the renewal request is pending. Once the lending library has made its decision, you will be notified.
How can I make an ILL request?
To make an ILL Request, fill out an ILL Request Form at the Circulation Desk or send an email with your:
- Name,
- phone number,
- format of item (book, CD, DVD, Audiobook, ect.),
- title,
- and author;
