Interlibrary Loan FAQs

Who can use Interlibrary Loan service?

Anyone with a valid PVLD library card, with no overdue materials, or unpaid fines or fees attached.

What may be requested through Interlibrary Loan?

  • Books
  • Conference proceedings
  • Dissertations
  • Microfilm
  • Musical scores
  • Periodical articles

What may NOT be requested?

  • Audiobooks
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Videocassettes
  • New books published within the last 6 months.

What does it cost?

There is a non-refundable fee of $2 per ILL request, which is assessed at the time the request is placed.  This fee is for the Interlibrary Loan search only, and is assessed regardless of whether or not the material is available. If a source is found to be non-circulating, contact the Reference Desk for help with possible alternatives.  Fees charged by lending libraries are passed on to requestor, but only with requestor’s prior approval.  Copies of articles are $.15 per page, payable at the time of pickup.  A $5.00 fee is assessed for materials ordered and received, but not picked up.  Overdue fines for ILL materials are $3.00 per day per item.

Genealogy microfilm from the Family History Library is a pre-paid $5.50 per reel.

How long does it take?

This depends on the location of the lender.  On average, a week to 10 days for loans filled from local public libraries, and 10 days to 3 weeks for out-of-area lenders, such as university or non-California libraries.

How will I know my materials have arrived?

Patrons are notified by phone or email as soon as their ILL materials are ready for pickup. (An email address is preferred.)  If there has been no notification, the materials are not yet here.

Where do I pick up my materials?

Pick up materials at the Circulation Desk of Peninsula Center Library.  Microfilm and In-Library-Use-Only materials will be at the Peninsula Center Reference Desk.

Patrons may request that ILL materials be sent to a Branch library for pickup, but must then allow for an extra two days to receive and return them, which shortens use period.

How long may I keep my materials?

Due dates are set by the lending libraries and will vary from the usual PVLD loan periods.  Specific due dates are written on the blue or yellow book bands that identify Interlibrary Loan items. Please do not remove these bands!

May Interlibrary Loan materials be renewed?

No. ILL materials must be returned on or before the due date.  If more time is needed, the item may be re-requested from another library.

Where do I return my materials?

Return materials in person at the Circulation desk of the library from which the material was checked out.  Please do not return ILL books in any book drop!

Can I track the progress of my request?

Yes. Beginning at the PVLD home page, scroll to the bottom of the page.  Under Our Services, click on Borrow from Another Library.  Enter your ILL User Name and Password, and Sign in.  Go to View and click on Outstanding Requests.

Are my requests saved?

Yes. Log on to your Interlibrary Loan account, as instructed in the previous paragraph.  Under View, click on Requests History.

Who do I contact with problems or questions?

Contact the Interlibrary Loan Department via email at ill@pvld.org, or call 310-377-9584, ext 239