What is Interlibrary Loan ( ILL ) and how does it work?

ILL is a service allowing a library to borrow a book from another library for the borrowing library patron. Users must have a valid College ID card and be in good standing with the library in order to place a request.

There are two methods available to process Interlibrary Loan requests. A setting on the iLink search screen can be changed so that the user can search for books at other CCLINC libraries. Once a title has been selected the user can make a request to borrow the book using the computer and library card. It usually takes from five to seven working days for books to arrive.

If a book cannot be found on iLink a library user can complete a request form and give it to a library staff member. A different computer system is used by the library staff to search for the title at other libraries in North Carolina . The lending library will give the due date and it will vary. This process takes from seven to twelve working days for books to arrive.

The library staff can also request a copy of a periodical article if it is needed for research. NCLIVE offers many full text articles and should be searched before a request is made. In order for the library staff to request an article the user must have the complete citation. There is no charge for the service, but sometimes other libraries do charge for photocopies.

Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.