Finger Lakes Library System

Connecting public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties

Out-of-System Interlibrary Loan FAQ

Out-of-System Interlibrary Loan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHAT IS OUT-OF-SYSTEM INTERLIBRARY LOAN?

Out-of-System Interlibrary Loan service is provided to all member libraries and other eligible institutions, such as county jails and state correctional facilities, within the five‑county service area.  Materials are provided within the system from the FLLS professional collection, and member library collections. In addition, FLLS has access to the resources of other public, school, academic, and special library collections nationwide, through participation in the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) ILL network.

WHO MAY REQUEST AN OUT-OF-SYSTEM ITEM?

In-system library card holders at one of the FLLS member libraries in good standing may request an Out-of-System request. If patrons are restricted from completing an Out-of-System request, they should contact their home library.

IS THERE A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF OUT-OF-SYSTEM REQUESTS?

Patrons may only have five active Out-of-System requests on their library card at any one time. It is therefore important that patrons prioritize their requests. If the patron has five active Out-of-System requests, once one of the requests has been processed and is on the local library’s hold shelf, the patron may place another Out-of-System request.

WHAT OUT-OF-SYSTEM ITEMS MAY BE REQUESTED?

  • Non-Fiction books
  • Fiction books
  • Periodical articles
  • Microform
  • Large Type

OUT-OF-SYSTEM EXCLUSIONS:

  • Anything currently owned by any of the FLLS member libraries or Alternatives.
  • New materials, published in the current year.
  • Video recordings.
  • Sound recordings.
  • Reference books, the lending library may be willing to copy some small number of pages, given sufficient information.
  • Rare books which may include some genealogy.
  • Bound or entire issues of periodicals.
  • eContent, learn more about shared OverDrive collections here.

HOW DO I REQUEST A PERIODICAL/MAGAZINE ARTICLE?

Please send an email to ill@flls.org. A complete citation includes article title, article author, periodical or magazine title, volume and issue numbers, month – day (if applicable) – year of article and page numbers. In most cases, the patron can keep the article. On rare occasions, the lending library will ask FLLS to collect the copied material. If this is necessary, FLLS will treat the item like a book – barcode it, create a record, give you a due date, etc.

ARE THERE ANY FEES FOR OUT-OF-SYSTEM ITEMS?

In almost all cases there is no additional fee for interlibrary loans. However, if the lending library charges for an ILL, we will contact you before we complete the request. You must pay the fee before you receive the book. Patrons will be charged $1.00/day per overdue ILL item regardless of their local library’s overdue fine policy. You will be charged for any lost or damaged item.

ARE RENEWALS OF OUT-OF-SYSTEM ITEMS PERMITTED?

Each lending library has its own policies for renewals and we must abide by their policies. If we know that a particular lending library does not permit renewals, we will stamp that on the book band. Please request a renewal at least three days before the due date. It takes several days to hear back from the lending library whether or not they will renew the item. We cannot guarantee that renewal requests will be granted by the loaning library nor can we guarantee a specific time extension. Only one renewal per item.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN OUT-OF-SYSTEM ITEM?

It is difficult to predict.  Do not request an Out-of-System item unless you are willing to wait at least two weeks. The length of time to fill an Out-of-System request depends on how long it takes to identify a willing lender, the distance it travels, and the shipping method. When the item arrives at FLLS, we will change your Hold Request to reflect its arrival and will send it in the next delivery to your library.

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