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 Siouxland Libraries|Library Services>Interlibrary Loans


Interlibrary Loans

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan allows library customers to borrow materials from other lending libraries around the country. You can borrow books or obtain photocopies of magazine articles.

Who can use Interlibrary Loan?

Anyone with a permanent Siouxland Libraries card that is in good standing can request books and articles through Interlibrary Loan. College students must have a Siouxland Libraries card; otherwise students need to request Interlibrary Loans through their college library.

How long will it take to get my book?

It can take one to three weeks, depending on whether the book is in high demand. Titles that are not widely owned may take extra time to locate. To check on the status of your Interlibrary Loan, call 367-8720 or email the library at libill@siouxfalls.org.

How do I Interlibrary Loan magazines?

Interlibrary Loan allows library customers to obtain photocopies of journal or magazine articles. Customers are limited to three requests per day. We will order as many articles from a title as copyright law allows.

Are there some items I can’t get through Interlibrary Loan?

We do not accept requests for new books (books with a publication date of less than six months), textbooks, DVDs, videos, tapes, music CDs, books on CD, or books owned or on order at Siouxland Libraries. Reference items are seldom sent on loan, but occasionally lending libraries will make exceptions.

Is there a limit to the number of Interlibrary Loan requests I can submit?

You can submit up to three requests per day, with a total of five requests checked out at one time.

What does it cost to obtain books and articles from other libraries?

Siouxland Libraries does not charge for Interlibrary Loan service. However, certain libraries do charge fees. If the book or article is only available from a library that charges fees, we will contact you to get your approval. Any costs will be passed on to you.

What about genealogy books or other family history materials?

Genealogy books are difficult to borrow. Most genealogy books are in non-circulating collections and are irreplaceable if lost. If loaned, they may be restricted to in-library use. Many libraries are willing to photocopy pages at no charge. If you have a family name or citation, use the magazine request form to request a photocopy.

Newspapers may be available from state historical societies. Generally there is a fee, and often it needs to be prepaid. Visit with a staff member if you want to borrow microfilm.

The Sioux Valley Genealogical Society has their collection housed on the second level of the Siouxland Heritage Museum.

Also available through Siouxland Libraries are Ancestry Library and Heritage Quest. These databases are located on our website http://www.siouxlandlib.org/research.aspx

What can I do to help you find my book for me?

The more information you provide on the form you are submitting, the easier it is for us to locate and request the title you want. You can also submit the website link or ISBN in the comment field.

Select one of these links to request an Interlibrary Loan: