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Interlibrary Loan

Sign in to MnLINK to start the Interlibrary Loan process.

Note: If you want a book from the Saint Paul Public Library, please go directly to our catalog.

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, a requested item is obtained for you from another library system, thanks to cooperative arrangements that allow libraries to share materials for the benefit of library users like you. Saint Paul Public Library's Interlibrary Loan service is provided through MnLINK, a statewide virtual library that allows you to search multiple resources and request items from major academic and public libraries in Minnesota and beyond. Note: You must have a library card that is registered with the Saint Paul Public Library in order to place a request.

When should I use Interlibrary Loan?

Use Interlibrary Loan to request a book or other item that is not available at the Saint Paul Public Library. "Not available" means an item that:

• is not listed in the catalog
• is missing or long overdue

If your item is in the library's circulating collection, request it through the catalog. Interlibrary Loan requests placed for items owned within the Saint Paul Public Library system will be canceled.

How do I begin?

Sign in to MnLINK to start the Interlibrary Loan process. This takes you to the MnLINK site.

First, click “Sign In” on the left hand side of the MnLINK site. Next, type the barcode number from your library card. You don't need to enter a PIN/Password. Choose “St. Paul Public Library” from the drop-down menu as your Pickup Location. Finally, click “Sign In”.

How do I locate an item?

Once you are signed in, you'll find that searching MnLINK is similar to searching other library catalogs, with drop-down menus giving a wide variety of search options. There is also an extensive "Help" option covering most any situation that would arise.

Begin by typing in one or more keywords for your item (e.g. author, title, ISBN).

To specify a particular format, use the following terms in the Enter Keywords box:

• Abridged
• Audiobooks
• Compact disc
• DVD
• Large Type books
• Periodicals
• Unabridged
• VHS

Or, click on Advanced Search for keyword searching in multiple fields, and enter these keywords in the "Anywhere" field.

Note: The results of your search may appear slowly; MnLINK is individually searching the catalogs of every library in Minnesota. The more matches found, the longer it will take to display the search results.

How do I place a request?

Once you have search results, click on Details for an item to verify that it is the one you want. If so, click on Get It!, then on Request via Interlibrary Loan and the details are transferred automatically to a request form.

Note: For journal articles, please complete the Part Details.

The form allows you to choose an exact Pick Up Location within the Saint Paul Public Library system. Once you've reviewed the form, click SUBMIT.

If you wish to return to your results, click on Search Results in the left-hand menu (don't use the browser's Back button). You can begin a new search by clicking Basic Search or Advanced Search in the left-hand menu. Or, if you are finished, click Sign Out in the left-hand menu.

What if my search doesn't produce the desired results?

If the above method fails, sign in to MnLINK and click Create Request on the left-hand menu. This brings up a blank request form. Complete the fields, providing as much information as possible to identify the item, and click SUBMIT. When you are finished submitting your request(s), click Sign Out in the left-hand menu.

It may be possible that the item you are trying to request is not owned at any library within the MnLink network. In which case, if you wish to further pursue obtaining the item you would need to place a National Request.

How will I know when my item is available?

It typically takes anywhere from 7 to 48 days to obtain an item, depending on a number of factors. Saint Paul Public Library's computer catalog system will automatically notify you by email or phone when your item has been received and is ready for you to check out. You will not be notified if your request cannot be filled.

How can I track my request?

You can check the status of your request by signing in to MnLINK and clicking on My Requests in the left-hand menu, choosing the details, and clicking Search.

What if I decide to cancel a request?

You can cancel your requests by signing in to MnLINK, clicking on My Requests, clicking Search, finding the request you want to cancel, clicking Cancel and clicking the Cancel This Request button. Please do not attempt to cancel requests that you have already returned.

Is there a limit on ILL requests?

You are limited to 10 requests at any one time, including new requests, pending requests, and filled requests currently on loan. When this limit is reached, you will not be able to place new requests until items are returned.

How do I submit a National Request?

A search of libraries throughout the country may be requested for materials not available through MnLINK.  A $5 search fee must be paid in advance and is not refundable in the event that the item is unavailable.  If you wish to place a request, please contact the librarians at your local Saint Paul Public Library branch.

Why do I keep getting only Disc One of a multi-disc set?

This is because many libraries catalog each disc separately. Please submit separate requests for each disc, with “Disc Two” “Disc Three” and so forth entered in the TITLE field, after the title.

If you have any other questions, please contact library staff.

Copyright 2002-2008, Saint Paul Public Library - 90 W. 4th Saint Paul, MN 55102
Questions or comments: 651-266-7000 / Ask a Librarian

Melanie Huggins, Library Director | Library Board
An Agency of the City of Saint Paul - Christopher B. Coleman, Mayor
Media Relations: Sheree Savage / 651-266-7029

Webmaster: SPPLWeb@ci.stpaul.mn.us