Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) participates in a cooperative program of participating libraries to obtain materials that are not locally owned. Interlibrary loan (ILL) plays a key role in delivering materials and information to meet the ever-expanding needs of the library user. Interlibrary loan supplements but is not a substitute for collection development at the local level.
LARL customers who have a valid LARL borrower’s card, as well as users from participating Minnesota public libraries may use this service. Customers may direct their requests to staff at any of LARL’s locations or undertake unmediated requests using MNLINK.
An interlibrary loan is a request to borrow materials not owned by LARL from another library system or institution. Books, audiovisual items, and microfilm are available for customers to obtain using the MNLINK service. Photocopies of articles and non-circulating resources may also be requested. LARL reciprocates by supplying materials to other requesting libraries in MNLINK, Minnesota’s network of cooperating libraries.
There are no fees for requesting materials that are located in MNLINK. If the requested material cannot be obtained from MNLINK and a national search is undertaken, charges may be incurred. Any charges from the lending library will be passed on to the customer. Customers will be notified and asked for approval before a national search is initiated.
Some materials found in MNLINK may not be available for lending to LARL customers. These materials include, but are not limited to, reference, rare or expensive resources, and non-circulating items. Requests for recently published works may be difficult to obtain due to popularity, and should first be submitted to the Collection Development Librarian for purchase consideration. Requests for items already owned by LARL may not be fulfilled using ILL if they can be supplied at the local level.
Once a request is placed in MNLINK, it is automatically submitted for processing. Customers are limited to ten active requests in their MNLINK account at one time. Most ILL requests are fulfilled within 1-2 weeks, and may be checked out for 21 days unless otherwise specified. Items acquired through a national source will follow the loan period set by the lending library, as well as any use restrictions (no photocopying, in-library use only, etc.). Customers must honor these restrictions to ensure continued access to ILL services. Renewals may be requested, but cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to the lending library’s discretion. While it is possible to request a title more than once, all borrowed material is subject to recall by the lending library.
It is critical for customers to return ILL items on time. This ensures a good reciprocal relationship among participating libraries, and allows all parties to continue honoring requests. If kept overdue, a reminder will be sent using email, telephone, or U.S. Mail, and late charges will be assessed. Lost or damaged items will incur charges determined by the lending library.
Approved: Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board, April 18, 2007; March 19, 2009; March 18, 2010; November 21, 2013; June 21, 2018