Who is Eligible for Interlibrary Loan?
Any person who is eligible for a library card at any NWLS member library is eligible for Interlibrary Loan services.NWLS Resource Sharing Policy
The goal of NWLS resource sharing, in following the guidelines of the State of Wisconsin, is that all NWLS libraries will lend all types of materials to all Wisconsin libraries of any type on an equal basis and will expect equal reciprocity. Libraries must be willing to lend if they wish to borrow. Any materials purchased with LSTA grant funds, NWLS Collection Development funds or other NWLS funds must be available for ILL. NWLS libraries agree to comply with this policy when agreeing to the Annual Member Library Agreement.
ILL Guidelines
All NWLS libraries receive a hard copy of the current Wisconsin Interlibrary Loan Guidelines.
Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States
The Reference and User Services Association, acting for the American Library Association in its adoption of the Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States recognizes that the sharing of material between libraries is an integral element in the provision of library service and believes it to be in the public interest to encourage such an exchange.
Charging for Interlibrary Loan Services
The Division for Libraries, Technology, & Community Learning has taken the position that public libraries cannot charge customers for interlibrary loan services and also has offered advice and counsel on the appropriateness of various kinds of charges. For information on the statutory provisions, go to http://dpi.wisconsin.gov/rll/ill_guide2005_pay.html
Materials in High Demand
Requesting libraries should screen requests to determine if a title is too popular to request outside of their library system. Using various bestseller lists can help identify popular titles in all formats. The ILL Guidelines - Best Practices section offers information on bestseller lists.
ILL requests should not be submitted for items that have not been published yet, except that Merlin members may place “Copy Returned Soonest” holds in Merlin for on-order items.
If the item is popular and there are multiple holds placed by your patrons, your library should consider purchasing a copy.
Requesting Materials Owned and in Use Locally
Merlin libraries: NWLS libraries that are part of Merlin should place holds in Merlin instead of sending requests downstate, unless the item is needed for a book discussion group.
Other NWLS libraries: If your library is not part of Merlin and you own a copy of the item, you should place a hold on your own item instead of sending the request to another library, unless you need extra copies for a book discussion.
NOTE: Book discussion group kits of multiple copies are available from libraries.