MDE - Interlibrary Loan Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan.gov Home	MDE Home \| Site Map \| FAQ \| Contact MDE \| Keywords \| Online Services


>	About the Library

>	For Librarians

>	Michigan Imprints 1851-1876

>	Funding for Libraries

>	For the Public

>	For State/Legislative Employees

	Library of Michigan Services to State Government


>	Genealogy

>	Government Documents

>	Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Information

Printer Friendly Text Only Version

Text Version

Share this link:

Interlibrary Loan Frequently Asked Questions

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Who can use ILL?
How do I request material from ILL?
Will it help if I tell ILL what other library owns the item that I am looking for?
Do I need to give ILL a call number?
What information do I need to make a request?
How long does it take to receive an ILL item?
"When I requested a book, I told ILL that MSU owned the book, but instead I got a copy that was sent from Nevada!! Why not get it from a closer library - wouldn't it be quicker?"
Who should I contact if I have a problem or a question?
How will I receive the items I requested?
How much does it cost?
Where do I return the books when I am finished?
How do I get a Library of Michigan Library Card?

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a worldwide cooperative program between libraries to share materials from their collections. This system is used to supply a variety of resources that are not available at the Library of Michigan to our patrons.
Who can use ILL?
The Library of Michigan borrows materials for any of our card holders in good standing. Persons with overdue or billed materials may not use Interlibrary Loan services. The Library of Michigan also serves the citizens of Michigan by lending to libraries throughout the state.
How do I request material from ILL?
Legislative and State employees have several options for submitting interlibrary loan requests. They can phone, e-mail, fax, or mail Interlibrary Loan requests. State employees can also submit requests electronically; there are separate forms for book requests and article requests.

Telephone: 517-373-1300
Telefax: 517-373-3381, 800-292-2431
E-Mail: illoan@michigan.gov
ID mail: Library of Michigan/Interlibrary Loan/2nd floor Library
Mailing Address: Library of Michigan/Interlibrary Loan/702 West Kalamazoo Street/P.O. Box 30007/Lansing, MI 48909

Eligible Library of Michigan cardholders who are not employees of the State of Michigan can request materials by completing an interlibrary loan form. These forms are available in house only at either reference desk.
Will it help if I tell ILL which other library owns the item that I am looking for?
No, we prefer to choose libraries that are most likely to provide the materials. We have reciprocal agreements with various libraries nationwide and would request the item through these institutions first in an effort to reduce time and cost.
Do I need to give ILL a call number?
No. Because call numbers may vary from library to library, it is simpler for us to search the electronic databases for the location information needed to fill your request.
What information do I need to make a request?
We need complete citations when taking requests. The electronic forms on this web page will give you an idea of the information we need. If you do not have specific information or need a particular subject searched, please contact our Reference Desk at 517-373-1300.
How long does it take to receive an ILL item?
Materials provided from Library of Michigan collections will be received sooner than those from outside libraries. We fill requests as soon as possible, but the length of time needed to do so will vary depending on availability of the materials.
"When I requested a book, I told ILL that MSU owned the book, but instead I got a copy that was sent from Nevada!! Why not get it from a closer library - wouldn't it be quicker?"
While it may be true that MSU owns the book, their copy may be in use or in a non-circulating collection. Requests are sent electronically to a string of five different libraries. When one library says 'No' to our request, it goes to the next institution. Sometimes it is necessary to go far afield to find a library willing or able to loan the materials.
Who should I contact if I have a problem or a question?
The ILL office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00. We are happy to answer any questions about our policies and procedures. Contact us by phone, fax, or e-mail at:

Telephone: 517-373-1300
Telefax: 517-373-3381, 800-292-2431
E-Mail: illoan@michigan.gov
How will I receive the items I requested?
Unless otherwise requested, all materials will be sent to state employees via Interdepartmental mail or US mail for the agencies and offices not accessible via ID mail. State employees, if you wish to pick up the materials or have them sent in some other fashion, please specify the type of delivery on your request. The electronic forms on this web page have a field specifically for this information. All other patrons must pick up materials at the Library of Michigan Circulation Desk.
How much does it cost?
The Library of Michigan does not charge for ILL services unless items are not returned. For jobs that require extensive photocopying, there may be a fee; however, you will be notified of the price before we supply the items.
Where do I return the books when I am finished?
Photocopies are yours to keep unless otherwise noted. ALL books must be returned to the Library of Michigan ILL Dept. You can send them back via ID mail, return them to the Circulation desk on the 2nd floor of the library, or leave them in our dropboxes on the south side of the building.

Library of Michigan
702 West Kalamazoo Street
PO Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909-7507
517-373-1300
How do I get a Library of Michigan Library Card?
Contact the Circulation Desk at 373-1360.


	Related Content
•	Request an Article
•	Request a Book
•	Using Materials from Other Libraries