Definition

Interlibrary loans are transactions in which library materials are made available from one library to another upon request. An interlibrary loan is defined as a transaction in which the material moves from library to library.

Interlibrary Loan Photocopy Procedures Manual

The MLS Resource Sharing Interlibrary Loan Photocopy Procedures Manual is currently under revision. Every public library in the suburban MLS service area was provided with a print copy of the Procedures Manual in November of 2008. One can also view the November 2008 Procedures Manual as a pdf. As soon as the new version is available it will be posted to the MLS website. If your library would like to request a print copy of the publication, please contact the MLS Resource Sharing office at 630-734-5160 or send an email to metroill@mls.lib.il.us.

Accessing MLS Resource Sharing Service- Public

As an individual, your only means of access to MLS Resource Sharing Service is through your local library. If your library card indicates you are a member of MLS or you live in the southern or western suburbs of Chicago, you should visit your local library to request materials. They will access Resource Sharing on your behalf when it is appropriate. If you need to locate a public library in the MLS service area, see the MLS Membership Directory. If located outside the MLS service area, but in the state of Illinois, please see the Every Library in ILLINET library directory .

Accessing MLS Resource Sharing Service – MLS membership

The MLS membership can access our offices to ask a question or request a site visit via phone (630-734-5160), email (metroill@mls.lib.il.us), or fax (630-734-5050). The office is closed on the weekend.

Verification support for your patron's Interlibrary Loan requests is available by using the website form or calling our office at 630-734-5160. In addition, the MLS Resource Sharing office will facilitate International Interlibrary loan on a cost recovery basis.

Catalogs

Directories – Delivery

• Every Library in Illinet (ELI)
• MLS Membership Directory
• CARLI ILDS Participants 

Directories – Policies

• ILLINET Resource Sharing Policy Directory
• MLS Direct Loan Directory
• OCLC ILL Policies Directory

Interlibrary Loan Codes

• MLS Interlibrary Loan Code (2004, PDF) 
• ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Code (2008, PDF) be sure to view the Glossary and appended list of Interlibrary Loan Resources
• CARLI I-Share Library Resource Sharing Code  (2006)
• Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States (2008)
• Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States Explanatory Supplement  (May 2008)

Interlibrary Loan Forms

• ALA Interlibrary Loan form (PDF)
• ALA Interlibrary Loan form (Word)

Illinois Libraries Barcode Prefixes

• Illinois Libraries Barcode Prefixes in Alpha Order
• Illinois Libraries Barcode Prefixes in Numeric Order

Printed tools – delivery

• ILDS master label (2 across) - effective date 7/1/09 current version
• Master Short Gold Book Band for AV materials (4 across) in system only (PDF)
• SHARE library list and links
• SWAN Libraries Delivery List in Alphabetical Order
• SWAN Libraries Delivery List in Agency Code Order
• SWAN Libraries Delivery List in Route Order
• SWAN Internet Access Delivery List in Alphabetical Order

Printed tools – workflow

• MLS ILL Resource List (PDF)

MLS Resource Sharing Statistics 

• MLS FY'09 Resource Sharing Statistics (PDF)
• MLS FY'08 Resource Sharing Statistics (PDF)
• MLS FY'07 Resource Sharing Statistics (PDF)
• MLS FY’06 ILL Statistics (PDF)
• MLS FY’05 ILL Statistics (PDF)
• SLS FY’04 ILL Statistics (PDF)

MLS Resource Sharing Mashups

• MLS International ILL Jan. - June 2008
• MLS International ILL Jan. - Dec. 2007
• MLS International ILL Jan. - Dec. 2006
• MLS ILL Received January 2007
• MLS ILL Sent January 2007

Presentations

• Resource Sharing Orientation (7/2008, PDF)
• Resource Sharing for School Libraries (8/8/08, PDF)
• New ILDS (Illinois Library Delivery Service) effective 1/2/08
• Essential Elements of Interlibrary Loan (11/2004, PDF) *

  *This module will teach the learner the essential elements of Interlibrary loan, including the ILLINET ILL code, general borrowing and lending practices, and photocopy and an overview of copyright compliance issues.

ILLINET ILL Traffic Survey form

The ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Traffic Form for FY 2009 is now available for libraries to submit their resource sharing statistics.   The username and password for access to Bibliostat were sent to libraries previously. If you need your Username/Password please contact Becky Hunter at the Illinois State Library (217-782-7849). For questions regarding completion of the form or gathering your statistics, contact Kate Boyle, MLS Resource Sharing Manager (630-734-5162). Gwen Harrison and Ron Winner of the Illinois State Library are also available to answer any of your questions. Gwen Harrison can be reached at 217-785-7334 or Ron Winner at 217-785-1168.