Show All Answers

1. What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

ILL is a service that allows patrons in good standing to use their Santa Rosa County Library System (SRCLS) card to request print items that SRCLS does not own from other Florida libraries.

2. What type of items can I request?

Only books (except books published in the last two years) and articles may be requested using ILL. To comply with copyright guidelines, the library can request only five articles, published within the last five years, from a particular journal title PER CALENDAR YEAR.

3. Are there any items I can't request?

Print items that have been published in the last two years cannot be requested. If there is a newer title we do not own that you wish to read, please consider making a purchase request. We also do not borrow or lend audiovisual materials of any type.

4. How many items can I request?

Patrons can have up to three active requests in process at the same time. This includes requests already submitted for items not yet received. Requests are considered active until items are returned to the library and checked in. Special circumstances may require a change in the number of new requests allowed.

5. Is there a fee to request ILL items?

SRCLS only borrows from free lenders, so there is not a fee for borrowing items.

6. How long will it take to get the material I requested?

SRCLS is unable to guarantee if and/or when an ILL request will be delivered. Patrons will be notified by the ILL department if a request is unable to be filled. Please note that wait time can exceed 8 weeks in some cases.

7. Will I get a notice when my items are ready to be picked up?

Patrons will be notified when their ILL materials are available for pick up. Please make sure your library account has your current email address and phone number for notification purposes.

8. What is the checkout period for ILL materials?

The length of time a patron may keep ILL materials varies. Each individual lending library or institution determines the loan period for their materials. ILL items cannot be renewed.

9. Where can I pick up my item(s)?

Requested items can be picked up at the Santa Rosa County Library of the patron’s choice. Some materials may not be available for check out and will be designated as “In Library Use Only,” such as difficult to replace materials (including those deemed expensive or rare), and materials received for in-house use only.

10. How long will my item(s) be held?

ILL items that are not picked up by the due date will be returned to the lending library. Photocopies that are not picked up within four weeks will be discarded. Patrons are encouraged to contact the ILL department if they are unable to pick up an ILL request within the specified time limit. Failure to pick up requested items three times may result in loss of ILL privileges.

11. How do I return my item(s)?

ILL items may be returned to any library in the SRCLS. Items must be given directly to a staff member; in order to ensure the library has received returned ILL materials, items should not be placed in a book drop nor the attached paperwork removed.

12. Are there fines for overdue ILL items?

While the SRCLS does not impose overdue fines, an overdue ILL item may incur fines in accordance to the lending library's policies. Failure to comply with due dates three times may result in loss of ILL privileges. All library privileges will be suspended until fees are paid in full.

13. What happens if I damage or lose an item?

Patrons are responsible for the damage, replacement cost, and processing fee of any ILL items that are lost, damaged, or stolen in accordance with SRCLS’s policies and as determined by the lending library. All library privileges will be suspended until fees are paid in full. ILL privileges will be revoked on the second instance of lost or damaged ILL materials.