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Interlibrary Loans
Saint Paul Public Library customers are able to place Interlibrary Loan requests through MnLINK.
Tips and instructions for using MnLINK to place interlibrary loan requests.
If you are unable to log in or place a request through MnLINK, please consult Library staff.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interlibrary Loan
- What kinds of materials cannot normally be borrowed?
- What is the procedure for obtaining materials through Interlibrary Loan?
- How long does it take for materials to arrive?
- How long can materials be kept for use?
An interlibrary loan (ILL) request is a request to borrow books or other materials that are not owned by the Saint Paul Public Library from another library system or institution.
Who can use Interlibrary Loan?
Saint Paul Public Library users who have a valid, registered library card from a MELSA (Twin Cities metropolitan area) or outstate library may use this service. Others must originate requests through their own library systems.
Is there a charge or a fee for this service?
If the requested material can be obtained in the local region, the Saint Paul Public Library covers any costs associated with borrowing the items.
If the requested material cannot be obtained in the local region, a national search may be undertaken for the cost of $5.00. Borrowers will be notified and asked for approval before a national search is started.
What kinds of materials can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan?
Requests may be made for materials not owned in the Saint Paul Public Library's print or electronic collections. Books and magazine articles are the usual materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.
The Library will attempt to borrow sound recordings, videocassettes, DVD's, and books on cassette or on CD. Sometimes these types of materials may be difficult to obtain.
Due to copyright restrictions the library is limited to five articles from any periodical or journal title (not issue) published within the last five years.
What kinds of materials cannot normally be borrowed?
Materials which are difficult to obtain from other libraries include:
- Films and slides
- Rare or expensive materials, including manuscripts and genealogical materials
Materials that are not obtained through Interlibrary Loan include:
- Non-circulating and reference materials (including bibliographies, directories, and indexes)
- Entire issues of periodicals
- Additional copies of materials owned by the Saint Paul Public Library
What is the procedure for obtaining materials through Interlibrary Loan?
Place interlibrary loan requests through MnLINK.
- Tips and instructions for using MnLINK to place interlibrary loan requests.
- If you are unable to log in or place a request through MnLINK, please consult Library staff.
If you need assistance, contact the Telephone Reference Center or your local branch in person or by phone. You may also e-mail the library.
Library staff can assist customers with up to 5 interlibrary loan requests per day.
The following information will be needed:
Books:
Author's Name
Title in full
Publisher
Date of publication
Journal Articles:
Journal Title in full
Volume, Number, and Date of Issue
Author of article
Title of article
Page numbers
For other types of material, consult with a librarian for assistance.
You will be notified when your item is available, if a national search is necessary, or if it is not possible to obtain it.
How long does it take for materials to arrive?
An interlibrary loan will take a minimum of 2, and an average of 2-4 weeks.
Because the process is dependent upon responses from other institutions and delivery systems, this time may vary greatly. Some items, especially those which are difficult to locate, may take considerably longer than average. Some items may never become available for borrowing.
If you have a specific deadline by which you need the material, please let the librarian assisting you know. The library will try to obtain the item by that date, or will cancel the request and notify you if it cannot be obtained by that time.
How long can materials be kept for use?
The due dates for books and other materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan are determined by the library system or institution lending the item to us. This may be longer or shorter than Saint Paul Public Library's usual lending periods. Items borrowed through Interlibrary Loan may not be renewed. The due date set by the lending library must be strictly observed. The continuance of interlibrary borrowing is dependent upon our full cooperation in returning materials on time.
Fines are charged on ILL materials at the same rate as for Saint Paul Public Library materials.
Photocopies of journal articles are yours to keep.
Items received in microfilm or microfiche format are made available for use at the Sun Ray Library.
Some materials may be restricted to "Library use only" by the lending library and may not be checked out for use at home.
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