What is Interlibrary loan?
WFPL Interlibrary Loan Service offers library cardholders in good standing the ability to request items not owned by our library system from other libraries around the state and across the continental U.S.
What type of items can I request?
You may request books, large print books, audio books, music CDs and copies of documents (articles from newspapers, magazines, obituaries, etc.) from other libraries.
Are there any items I can’t request?
The following items may not be requested through ILL:
- Items that are owned or are currently on order by WFPL
- Items that have been published in the last six months
- Textbooks
- E-books and e-audiobooks
- DVDs and videos
- Audio cassettes or vinyl records
How many items can I request?
Patrons may submit a total of five new requests during a 30-day time frame. Special circumstances may require a change in the number of new requests allowed.
Is there a fee to request ILL items?
Each lending library determines whether a borrower’s fee will be assessed for an item or request. Patrons will be notified by the ILL Department if such a fee is assessed, and the fee must be paid before the request is processed.
How long will it take to get the material I requested?
WFPL is unable to guarantee if and/or when an ILL request will be delivered. The average wait time is three weeks; however, wait time can exceed eight weeks. Patrons will be notified by the ILL department if a request is unable to be filled.
Will I get a notice when my items are ready to be picked up?
Yes, patrons will be notified when an item is available.
What is the checkout period for ILL materials?
Each lending library determines the loan period of an item; therefore, WFPL is unable to guarantee the length of the check-out period for an ILL request. Average check-out time is three weeks.
Where can I pick up my item(s)?
Most requests can be picked up at any circulating West Florida Public Libraries location of your choice. Some materials may not be available for check-out and will be designated as “In Library Use Only.” Microfilm may be viewed only at the Genealogy Branch and is designated “In Library Use Only.”
How long will my item(s) be held?
ILL items that are not picked up by the due date will be returned to the lending library. Photocopies that are not picked up within four weeks will be discarded. Patrons are encouraged to call the ILL Department if they are unable to pick up an ILL request within the specified time limit.
How do I return my item(s)?
ILL items may be returned to circulation staff at any WFPL circulating location regardless of where the items were originally checked out. Because ILL materials require special handling, items must be returned to a staff member, not be placed in a book drop, and the attached paperwork should not be removed.
Can I renew my item(s)?
Each lending library determines whether an item can be renewed. Patrons must contact the ILL Department at 850-436-5066 in order to determine whether an item is renewable. Renewals may not be made online, nor are circulation staff able to renew.
What are the fines for overdue ILL items?
ILL items that are not returned by their assigned due date will incur overdue fines in accordance with WFPL’s policies and as determined by the lending library.
What happens if I damage or lose an ILL item?
Patrons are responsible for the damage, replacement cost and processing fee of any ILL items that are lost, damaged or stolen in accordance with WFPL’s policies and as determined by the lending library.