InterLibrary Loan
You can request items that the West Florida Public Libraries does not own for free. You can enter your request on the FLIN SHAREit page. That system will search for the item in another library in Florida or possibly further away in the United States. If the item is available, it will be sent to the West Florida Public Libraries and you may pick the item(s) up. You can designate the library branch where you like to pick up the item(s).
Of course, you can call or visit any of the West Florida Public Libraries for staff to help you make your requests.
To place a request, you will log into the homepage of FLIN SHAREit the same way you would for our library catalog by using your full library card number and your normal 4 digit library card PIN.
You will be able to select items such as books, DVD's, etc. You can also select which library you want a particular item from (although there is no guarantee that the selected library will be the one who ultimately lends it).
You do not need to create any additional accounts or register. This website is connected to our catalog and verifies in real time! You will be able to track the progress of your request.
West Florida Public Libraries has a great section of materials, but sometimes the library might not own the exact work you’re looking for. That’s when our InterLibrary Loan Service can help. Requesting a title (books, audiobooks, CDs and documents) is easy – just follow these steps:
- Check our catalog to confirm that the item is not owned by West Florida Public Libraries.
- If WFPL does not own the item, log into FLIN SHAREit using your library card number and PIN.
- Search for the items you would like to request.
- Click on Request Item and confirm your personal information is correct. Click Submit. **Please note that WFPL cannot request materials published in the last six months.
- With the FLIN SHAREit website, you can directly enter requests for magazine articles in the system. There is still the option to fill out a request form and submit it to a librarian. If you would like to request a copy of a document (articles from newspapers, magazines, obituaries, etc.) owned by another library, you can still complete and sign an ILL Photocopy/Microfilm Request Form and drop it off at any WFPL location.
If you are having trouble finding your item or using the ILL system, give us a call at 850-436-5066 for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, movies / videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS) 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 published or released in the last 6 months
- Textbooks and study guides (if available these will be in library use only)
- 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 by the patron 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 for pick up.
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 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 West Florida Public Libraries 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.
