Interlibrary Loan Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Interlibrary Loan?
2. Who can use ILL?
3. How do I request material from ILL?
4. Will it help if I tell ILL what other library owns the item that I am looking for?
5. Do I need to give ILL a call number?
6. What information do I need to make a request?
7. How long does it take to receive an ILL item?
8. "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?"
9. Who should I contact if I have a problem or a question?
10. How will I receive the items I requested?
11. How much does it cost?
12. Where do I return the books when I am finished?
13. How do I get a Library of Michigan Library Card?

1. 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.
    
2. Who can use ILL?
   The Library of Michigan borrows work-related materials for any state and legislative employee in good standing with regard to his or her Library of Michigan patron record. Persons with overdue or billed materials may not use Interlibrary Loan services.
    
3. How do I request material from ILL?
   State and legislative employees have several options for submitting interlibrary loan requests. They can phone, e-mail, or submit requests electronically; there are separate forms for book requests and article requests.
   
   Telephone: 517-335-1477.
   E-Mail: librarian@michigan.gov
4. 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.
    
5. 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.
    
6. 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 517-335-1477.
    
7. 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.
    
8. "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 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.
    
9. Who should I contact if I have a problem or a question?
   The ILL office is open Monday-Friday, 10:00-5:00. We are happy to answer any questions about our policies and procedures. Contact us by phone or e-mail at:
   
   Telephone: 517-335-1474                       
   E-Mail: librarian@mi.gov
10. How will I receive the items I requested?
    Unless otherwise requested, all materials will be sent to state employees via Interdepartmental (ID) mail or UPS for the agencies and offices not accessible via ID mail. 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.
     
11. How much does it cost?
    In most cases, the Library of Michigan does not charge for ILL services. We do bill items that are not returned.
     
12. 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 dropbox on the south side of the building.
    
    Street address/UPS address
    Library of Michigan
    702 West Kalamazoo Street
    Lansing, MI 48915
    
    Postal Address
    Library of Michigan
    702 West Kalamazoo Street
    P.O. Box 30007
    Lansing, MI 48909-7507
     
13. How do I get a Library of Michigan Library Card?
    Come to the Library of Michigan 2nd floor service desk to apply and receive a library card right away, or use our online application form to have your card sent to you.

Updated 03/21/2019