| FAQ Interlibrary Loan LRC@TCC
What is interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service through which one library system lends its
materials to another library system. Interlibrary loan practices are
based on the National Interlibrary Loan Code of the American Library Association
and regulations of individual lending libraries. Interlibrary loan is
a courtesy arrangement between libraries.
Who may use ILL services?
Registered TCC students, faculty and staff are eligible to request
ILL materials that are not available in TCC libraries in any
format. A valid TCC library
card is required for this service. Community patrons may request interlibrary
loan services from their local public library. TCC students may choose
to obtain a Virginia
Tidewater Consortium library card to check out materials from local
academic libraries.
How do I use ILL?
Fill out a request form for each item needed. Forms are available
at the
reference desk or online. Please
fill out the forms completely to avoid delays.
How long does it take to get ILL materials?
Requests are usually initiated within 24-48 hours after receipt. TCC reserves
the right to limit the number of requests processed at one time. Patrons
should indicate the order of priority when submitting more than 5 requests. After
the request is sent we no longer have control over the process. Availability,
transit time, and other factors affect how long it takes us to receive a requested
item. Plan ahead!
Is it going to cost anything?
Most ILL materials are obtained free of charge. However, sometimes
a requested item is only available from an organization that charges
a fee. If TCC
is charged for an ILL, those fees may be passed on to the patron. Patrons
may indicate "no fee" on the request form or give a limit of how much of a fee
they are are willing to pay. Patrons are financially responsible for the
replacement or repair of materials lost or damaged during their use of materials. Patrons
are also responsible for overdue fines.
How will I know when the ILL items have arrived?
Patrons are notified by phone or mail when the material arrives. If we
are unable to fill your request, you will be notified.
How long may I keep books?
Typically, 8 weeks. Loan periods, renewals, and restrictions
on use of
materials, such as "Library Use Only" are determined by the lending library and
take precedence. Requests for a renewal must be made before the book is
due so that permission to extend the due date may be requested. It is not
always granted.
How do I return borrowed materials?
Materials borrowed are returned to the circulation desk where patrons
checked
them out. Please return materials on time. Libraries may rescind
borrowing privileges if materials are late or lost. If materials are consistently
returned late, patrons may be blocked from checking out any library materials.
What may not be borrowed through ILL?
TCC may not interlibrary loan materials that are held in our libraries
in another
format. Also, the following items are generally difficult or impossible
to borrow:
- Recently published books or best sellers
- Reference books
- Materials on reserve
- Entire issues of periodicals
- Rare materials, manuscripts, or fragile items
- Compact discs, computer software, videotapes, etc.
Are there copyright considerations?
The borrowing library is responsible for conforming to the
U.S. copyright law
and its guidelines. Each calendar year the college can request no more
than five articles for the same periodical title published in the last five years.
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