Interlibrary Loan (ILL) FAQs

1. What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan, or ILL, is a service through which items not owned by a library may be requested from another library.

When the Warren-Newport Public Library (WNPL) or any other CCS library does not own the item you are looking for, you can submit a request through Interlibrary Loan. Items requested will only be shipped within the continental United States.

2. Who may request items through ILL?

Any WNPLD cardholder in good standing may request items through ILL.

3. What do I need in order to request items through ILL?

You will need to have an ILL account, which is separate from your regular library account. Click here to set up an account or contact a Library Services staff member for assistance.

4.  What types of items may I request?

You may request books, videos, CDs, DVDs/Blu-rays, audiobooks, scores, and magazine/journal articles.

5. Are there any types of items I cannot request?

You cannot request items in formats that WNPL does not lend to other libraries, for example: computer software/hardware, e-resources, etc.

Items previously requested are subject to a two-week waiting period before the title may be requested by the same cardholder.

6. How long does ILL take?

It typically takes between 1-4 weeks to obtain an item through ILL. Many of the factors that determine how quickly an ILL arrives, such as how fast holding libraries respond to the request, are beyond WNPL’s control.

7. Does ILL cost me anything?

You may be charged a $5.00 processing fee per item if you do not pick up your ILL item by its due date. You will be told the due date when you are notified that your ILL is available.

Users of ILL may be subject to a fine if the item is damaged or lost. This fine will be determined by the lending library.

8. How will I know that my ILL items have arrived?

Once an item is ready for pick up you will receive an email or phone call from WNPL. To pick up the item, you will proceed to the Welcome Desk and present your library card.

9. Is there a limit to the number of ILL requests I can make?

You may have up to ten (10) items in process and/or checked out at any one time.

10. How will I know if an item I have requested cannot be obtained through ILL?

You will receive an email notification if we cannot obtain the requested item.

11. Where do I pick up an ILL item?

Available ILL items may be picked up at the Welcome Desk. Please bring your library card with you when you arrive to pick up your ILL items.

12. Can I renew an ILL item?

The lending library determines if the item may be renewed. Generally, an ILL item may be renewed one time for one week.

13. Where do I return my ILL items?

ILL items may be returned to the Welcome Desk or to any of WNPL’s onsite return slots.

14. What are the overdue fines for ILL items?

Overdue fines, if any, are determined by the lending library. Any overdue fines will be passed along to the library patron.

15. May I obtain the textbooks I need for my college class through ILL?

Occasionally, college textbooks may be obtained through ILL. However, students are advised not to depend on ILL to obtain their textbooks.

16. Where can I get additional assistance with my ILL requests?

For additional assistance with setting up an ILL account or making an ILL request, please contact the Library Services Department at 847/244-5150 ext. 3071 or askus@wnpl.info. Staff are available any time the library is open.

For additional assistance with an ILL request that has already been made, please contact the ILL department at 847/244-5150 ext. 3023.

A full copy of WNPL’s Interlibrary Loan policy can be found here.