INTERLIBRARY LOAN (ILL) POLICY

ILL Online Form

Interlibrary loan, or ILL, is the borrowing and lending of materials between independent libraries.  The purpose of interlibrary loan is to obtain materials to meet patron’s needs when local resources are inadequate.  This cooperative process works two ways.  Provo City Library (PCL) is able to borrow materials for its patrons from other libraries.  In turn, other libraries borrow PCL materials to meet the needs of their patrons.  

Borrowing Materials for Provo City Library Patrons

Anyone with a Provo City Library card in good standing may request material using interlibrary loan. 

It is possible to request these types of materials on interlibrary loan:

• Audio-visual materials
• Books and magazines published more than six months ago
• Photocopies of specific articles in newspapers or other periodicals

These materials are not available for borrowing from other libraries:

• Items which are owned by Provo City Library, even if those materials are checked out or available as reference only
• Reference and other non-circulating materials
• Computer software

Interlibrary loan requests may be made by submitting a completed request form. These forms are available on the Provo City Library website. The librarians can assist in completing the form, including finding the required request information. Requests may also be made over the phone.

There is no charge for most interlibrary loans.  Once borrowed materials are received, the requesting patron will be notified.  Materials may then be picked up at the 1st Floor Reference Desk.  A paper sleeve wrapped around the item will show the due date and any other conditions set by the lending library.  Provo City Library will abide by all conditions set by the lending library for the use of its materials.

Some borrowed materials may be limited to “Library Use Only.” These materials will be held at the Reference Desk during the loan period.  The patron may use these materials inside the library only. 

The lending library sets the loan period for its items, as well as stipulating whether or not renewals are allowed.   If renewals are not specifically restricted for a borrowed item, the patron may request a renewal in person, via email, or over the phone.  Renewal requests must be made to PCL interlibrary loan staff at least three days before the material’s due date.  The patron will be notified when the lending library responds to allow the renewal or not.

Patrons will be charged a fine for each day an interlibrary loan item is overdue.  Patrons will also be liable for any lost or damaged interlibrary loan items borrowed for them.  The replacement cost will be set by the lending library.

Lending Materials to Libraries Outside Provo

Provo City Library will accept interlibrary loan requests from other libraries submitted electronically via OCLC (previously known as Online Computer Library Center).

No requests from individuals will be honored, except for requests for copies from the Daily Herald.  Individuals interested in borrowing PCL materials should contact their local library to submit their requests.

Requests for articles to be copied from the Daily Herald microfilms will be accepted from individuals as well as from other libraries, as long as the requests are in writing.  Libraries should use the above-listed method.  Individuals may send requests via the online form, mail, or e-mail.  The following information is required:

• specific date to be searched (staff will search one week before and one week after date specified)
• title of article or person’s name if request is for an obituary
• requestor’s name
• email address or mailing address (for sending copy)

In addition to copies from the Daily Herald, the following materials are available for interlibrary loan:

• books published more than 6 months ago
• circulating magazines
• photocopies or scans of articles found in magazines or on microforms
• audio-visual materials

These materials are not available:

• books published less than 6 months ago
• reference books or periodicals
• Special Collections materials

• other non-traditional library materials

The check-out period for interlibrary loan is one month.  Renewals may be granted on a case-by-case basis, unless the loan material has been requested by a PCL patron or another library.  Any renewal requests must be made by the borrowing library.  No such requests from individuals will be accepted.

Materials loaned to other libraries will be delivered by U.S. Mail.

Provo City Library does not charge for its interlibrary loans. At present, this no-charge policy applies to copies made from print periodicals and/or microforms, as well as to physical items. Borrowing libraries will be responsible for lost or damaged materials. Charges will include the item’s replacement.  

Board of Directors
Provo City Library
Approved June 14, 2000
Revised & Approved February 8, 2012

Revised & Approved May 7, 2025