Interlibrary Loan

Who can borrow materials through Interlibrary Loan?
Any patron of the Westminster Public Library or Front Range Community College can borrow items through Interlibrary Loan.

What kinds of materials can I get through Interlibrary Loan?
Basically, anything that can normally be checked out from a library can be borrowed through interlibrary loan. In some cases, you can also obtain items such as journal articles and microfiche, etc.   However, if the item you are requesting is new (produced or published within the last year), it is unlikely it will be available from another library. Please complete a Request for Purchase  form instead.

How do I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?
Before you request an item, please check the Westminster Public Library catalog  to make sure we do not already own what you want. If we do not own the item, you can:

• Use the online form.
• Visit any Information or Reference Desk in the library and have staff assist you in filling out an Interlibrary Loan form.  
• Call 303-658-2603 at College Hill or 303-658-2303 at Irving Street to place a request over the telephone.

If time is an issue, and you have a Westminster Public Library card, you may be able to go to the library that owns the item, apply for a card and check it out. 

Is there a charge for borrowing Interlibrary Loan materials?
In most cases, the Westminster Public Library pays the costs for this service. Occasionally, with hard-to-obtain items, the lending library may charge a fee, payable by the patron. Average costs in such instances are $15-$20. You will always be given the option to refuse these charges before any request is filled. The library always tries to borrow items for free if possible.

How long does it take to get an item through Interlibrary Loan?
You should expect your request to take 1-3 weeks to be filled. Approximately half of the requests arrive within 7-10 days, but some items take 3 weeks or more to arrive. Items available locally will obviously arrive much sooner than items coming from out-of-state. Requests are handled as they are received and are generally processed within 24 hours. 

How will I be notified?
If your library account is set up to allow phone notification, we will notify you by automated phone call.  If your request cannot be filled a message will be placed on your patron record. Messages can be viewed by choosing the My Account tab, logging in with your library barcode and PIN, and then selecting the Fines/Blocks link. You may pick up your item from either the self-service hold shelf at College Hill or the Customer Service Desk at Irving Street, as specified on your request.  Items will be held for one week.

Is there a limit on how many items I can request through Interlibrary Loan?
At this time we ask that you request no more than five items.  After your five items have been returned to the lending library, you can request additional items.

Updated:  March 2010