What is InterLibrary Loan (ILL)?
If there is a book that you want to read, but we do not have it in our collection, we can request the book for you from another library.
Who can use ILL?
Anyone with a Gering Public Library card can request a book through InterLibrary Loan. Just visit the circulation desk for more information.
Is there a cost to use ILL?
Yes. It will cost $4.50 per item to receive a book through InterLibrary Loan. This amount helps to cover the cost of shipping the item. Payment is required when picking up the item.
How do I request a book through ILL?
You can request an item for InterLibrary Loan in three ways: (1) Stop by the circulation desk and a staff member will assist you in filling out a request form, (2) call the library and a staff member will fill out a request form on your behalf, (3) send an email to gpl@geringlibrary.org with information about the item you are requesting [title, author, item type], or (4) through the catalog [see below]
Can I request an ILL book through my library account?
Yes. If you go to our Catalog and log in to your account (upper right corner – enter your card number and your last name for the password). Then click on My Account. You should then see the option for Reserve/Request. Select that and it will ask you if there is something missing from our library. Click Let Us Know, and that will bring up a form for you to fill out. The first question on the form asks you if you would be okay with borrowing the item from another library. If you select Yes and fill out the item information, we will request the item for you from InterLibrary Loan.
How long will it take for my ILL book to arrive?
How long it takes for an InterLibrary Loan item to arrive varies. There are numerous factors that can play into that. If the item owned by only a small number of libraries, it may be difficult to find a library that will loan it to us. If the library sending us the item is farther away, it can take a bit longer. If the libraries we request the item from take a while to respond to the request, if can take longer. Typically, it can take a few days to a few weeks to receive an item we’ve requested.
How will I know when my book has arrived?
When your InterLibrary Loan item arrives, we will process it, check it out to you, and then call to you to let you know that it is available for you to pick up.
Can I get any book that I want through ILL?
No. Most books are available through InterLibrary Loan, but some less popular or self-published books may be more difficult or impossible for us to get. Books published within that last 6 months are typically not books we can get due to libraries not wishing to loan brand new books.
Have more questions?
Learn about our other Member Services like our Homebound Delivery or Libby and Overdrive by clicking the button below.
