How Interlibrary Loan Works
This service allows Phoenix Public Library cardholders to borrow books, copies of articles and microfilm not owned by our library. Customers may have up to 6 active requests at one time, including items currently checked out.
Please note: South Mountain Community College cardholders may also place interlibrary loan requests through the college ILL service.
Processing an interlibrary loan request takes a minimum of seven to eight weeks. The actual length of time depends on a number of factors:
- the number of requests in the queue;
- the number of libraries from which the Library requests the item before one agrees to lend it; and,
- the location of the library that agrees to lend it.
For example, if Phoenix Public Library staff have to query twelve libraries before finding one willing to lend an item, and that library is in New York, it will take longer than if the first library asked agrees to lend it and that library happens to be in the county or state.
Books published in the past year, VHS tapes, CDs (including audiobooks) and DVDs are not available through this service.
Most items can be picked up at any Phoenix Public Library location. Microfilm can be used at Burton Barr Central Library only.
To use interlibrary loan services you must have a current Phoenix Public Library card and no accrued fees in excess of $25.
Customers who have interlibrary loan items that are 30 days or more overdue will not be able to check out or renew Phoenix Public Library materials. Further, customers who have interlibrary loan items that are 30 days or more overdue will have their interlibrary loan privileges suspended for six months.
