Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Interlibrary Loan?
- What can be borrowed?
- Who can place an ILL request?
- Will an ILL cost me anything?
- How long will it take for me to get my item?
- Can I renew my item?
- How can I place a request?
Once you’ve finished reading the FAQ and are familiar with how the process works, please feel free to submit an ILL request using the following form.
What is interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the process by which a library requests material from, or supplies material to, another library. However, it is up to the lending library to decide whether or not to honor a request.
what can be borrowed?
The Warren Public Library makes every effort to utilize the resources within the library itself. In compliance with the Pennsylvania Interlibrary Loan Guidelines, items currently available for use within the Warren Public Library cannot be requested through ILL. This includes materials checked out, items on hold, and some reference materials. Please check the Warren Public Library’s catalog before submitting an interlibrary loan request.
The following items may not be requested through interlibrary loan:
- Titles owned by the Warren Public Library, unless long overdue or declared missing;
- Current bestsellers and materials published in the previous 6 months;
- Titles in recurring demand;
- Entire magazines or journal issues (requests for photocopies of articles are permitted);
- eBooks, video games, and licensed software;
- Reference materials which are not marked to circulate.
Who can place an ILL request?
Warren County patrons with a current Warren Public Library card in good standing can place a request. The requesting patron must use their own library card. There is a limit of two (2) requests at a time per card (includes those being processed and those that are checked out). For example, if you have one item on your account checked out already, we can only work on getting one more item for you. You can check how many ILLs you have, along with their current status in your online patron account. Paid accounts are not eligible for ILL at Warren Public Library.
Any item which Warren Public Library obtains for you must be both picked up and returned to Warren Public Library only. ILLs obtained at WPL may not be dropped off at other libraries in Warren County. Failure to do so may result in fines or item replacement costs.
Interlibrary loan is a privilege. Patrons will be held financially responsible for damage to or loss of an interlibrary loan item. Costs of lost or damage items are determined by the lending library. Continued disregard of due dates, a history of mishandling ILL materials, or a pattern of neglecting to pick up requested materials may result in suspension of Interlibrary Loan privileges.
Will an ILL cost me anything?
Please note, that while Interlibrary Loan does not typically cost the patron any money, there are costs which incur on the library’s end (supplies, staffing, postage, etc.).
Most materials are available at no charge, but occasionally a lending fee may apply. The ILL department at Warren Public Library may contact you if this seems to be the case. You’ll be asked to indicate the maximum cost that you are willing to pay to borrow the item. Please note that if you request an item with lending fees and indicate that you are willing to pay the fee, you will be charged that amount whether or not you pick up the item. All fees must be paid in advance of picking up the item.
If you submit an ILL request and decide you no longer need it, please contact the ILL Department immediately so that we can cancel it. If a patron makes multiple requests for a material, then changes their mind once they arrive, and fails to tell the ILL Department, their account may be charged $5 per request.
how long will it take for me to get my item?
Most requests are fulfilled within two to four weeks. Please note that occasionally, requests require more time or cannot be fulfilled due to lender policies and material availability. If you no longer need the requested item, or if you are unable to pick up an item, immediately contact the ILL department.
how can i renew my item?
If you need more time, please contact the ILL department at least 3 days before the due date to request a renewal. Renewals are granted at the discretion of the owning library and are not guaranteed.
how can i place a request?
Requests may be submitted in person at Warren Public Library, by calling 723-4650, or you can use this form to submit an online request.
