What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan is a network of local, state or national libraries that share resources (primarily books and photocopies) by lending and borrowing with each other. The Interlibrary Loan office processes these requests by computer which is connected online to several libraries. Conditions of this service are governed by the National Interlibrary Loan Code and the Copyright Law, Title 17, U.S. Code.

Who may borrow on Interlibrary Loan?

Any current MCC faculty, staff or student in good standing may borrow materials on Interlibrary Loan. You must bring your MCC ID to check out or pick up materials.

How do I request material on Interlibrary Loan?

If MCC does not have the book or magazine article you need, click on the following link to use our online Interlibrary Loan forms. Paper forms are still available at the Library Information/Reference Desk. Patrons receive their materials faster by filling out forms completely and clearly.

How long must I wait for the materials?

If the material is available locally (Monroe County area), it generally takes 3 to 5 days. However, if the material is available only outside the Monroe County area, it may take up to 3 weeks to arrive. An article usually arrives faster than a book.

How much will it cost?

Usually there is no charge for the material obtained on Interlibrary Loan. If the material is of a medical or legal nature, the lending library may charge a fee. Please note if you are willing to pay a charge for your item. The charge is usually $8 to $15 for each book or photocopy.

What kinds of material may I borrow?

Books and photocopies of magazine articles are the most common materials borrowed from other libraries. Foreign language materials may be borrowed, but please note if you want a non-English item.

What materials will I not be able to borrow?

Items owned by the MCC Libraries that are not lost cannot be requested. Reference books, textbooks, books published this year, videotapes, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, dissertations, entire issues or volumes of journals, rare books and theses are usually NOT loaned by other libraries.

Videotapes are not loaned by the Monroe County Library System through ILL.

The University of Rochester Libraries do NOT loan to undergraduate students.

How many items may I borrow on Interlibrary Loan?

Up to 5 requests a day may be processed. If you have more than 5 requests please prioritize your requests, and we will process them as soon as possible.

How do I know when my materials have come in?

For copies and books received, the most expedient method of contact is e-mail, so please provide your MCC e-mail address on the original ILL form . For photocopy requests, pick up the items at the Circulation/Reserve Desk (unless you have requested campus delivery-for staff and faculty only, or US Mail delivery on your request). For books, a letter will be sent out the day your material arrives or you may check at the Circulation/Reserve for your item. If you prefer a phone call, please note so on your ILL request and you'll be called when your material arrives.

What happens if my Interlibrary Loan materials are returned late?

Please return books to the Circulation/Reserve Desk on or before the date due. Since this is a special loan from another library, it is important to return the book promptly so that we can continue our good relations with lending libraries. Failure to observe this due date will suspend your borrowing privileges for all library materials.

How long may I keep the borrowed book?

The lending library will notify us of the date due. The due date will be listed on the cover slip of the book when you check it out. If you want to renew a book, please request a renewal 3 days prior to the date due by contacting the Interlibrary Loan Department in person or call (585) 292-2318. Renewals are entirely at the discretion of the lending library and cannot be guaranteed.