Interlibrary Loan Service

Borrowing:

The University Park Public Library will borrow materials for use by our patrons from other libraries via Interlibrary Loan.

Who may use this service?

Any patron with a valid UPPL library card prior to the request for this service is eligible. Children should have parental approval to use the service. Patrons with fines or other delinquencies must clear the problem prior to requesting special services, including Interlibrary Loan searches.

What types of materials can I get?

The Library will attempt to locate up to five (5) books, copies of journal or periodical articles, or other materials which UPPL does not own, at one time through the system provided by the Texas State Library. Patrons should be aware that most libraries do not lend fragile items, audio-visual materials, genealogy materials, items in high demand, microfilm, or items marked as Reference in their catalogs. Libraries are under no obligation to lend their materials.

How do I request something?

Patrons may come to the front desk of the Library in person and present their UPPL card. Staff will provide the form to be filled out. Patrons may also call the Library on the telephone and ask for an Interlibrary Loan. Staff will fill out the form and verify the library card number. Patron is responsible for providing as complete a citation as possible. Books need author (first and last name), complete title, publisher, and copyright date. Articles need author (first and last name), title of the article, title of the journal/periodical/book in which it is located, date of publication, volume number, and page numbers for the article. Note: if any of these items are unavailable, staff will still attempt to locate the item, but patron should be aware that the success of such a search may be compromised. Patrons are responsible for compliance with the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).

When the item arrives, usually ten to fifteen days later, the patron will be notified by telephone, and the item will be held at the check-out desk for a specified length of time. Should the patron fail to pick up the item within the time limit, a charge of $5.00 will be added to the patron’s record. The lending period is set by the owning agency, and UPPL will return the item to the owning agency in time to meet the due date set by that agency.

How much will it cost?

Most libraries do not charge for Interlibrary Loans. Occasionally, however, there will be a charge. The borrower will be notified of such charges. In addition, there may be return postage costs which the patron will be required to pay. Whenever possible, items will be returned by courier at no cost to the patron.

Patrons with Interlibrary Loan materials which are overdue, damaged, or lost will be subject to all fines, replacement costs, and/or other fees levied by the owning agency or UPPL. The user’s record will be blocked until such charges are paid and no check out of other materials will be allowed.

How long may I keep the item?

The lending period is set by the lending library. Generally, you may keep the item two to three weeks. Photocopies which are made from journals or books are usually yours to keep, unless otherwise noted.

May I renew Interlibrary Loans?

Most items may not be renewed. However, patrons who wish to renew Interlibrary Loan materials must request such renewal a minimum of one week prior to their due date. If there has been no stipulation against renewal, UPPL staff will request the extension from the lending agency and will notify the patron by telephone of the result of the request and the new date the item is due to UPPL.

How do I return an Interlibrary Loan?

You must return ILL materials to the same library from which you picked them up, in order for them to be reconnected to the paperwork and cleared from your record.

Lending:

The University Park Public Library is pleased to lend its materials through Interlibrary Loan when requested. There are some limits for certain kinds of materials allowed.

The Library will not lend Reference books, including genealogy materials, or best-seller or other high demand titles. Items which are on hold at UPPL also will not be sent. Any decision to lend materials is at the discretion of the UPPL staff.

The Library will make photocopies of items in its collection within the limits of the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).

Regular circulation periods are three weeks. The UPPL will extend that time for Interlibrary Loan in order to include shipping times.

Borrowing Libraries will be held responsible for damages and lost materials.

Approved by Board of Directors, University Park Public Library, on August 7, 2006