Interlibrary Loan

Information for Patrons

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan is a term used to describe material obtained from other libraries not connected with public libraries in Saskatchewan, such as academic and special libraries, or public libraries in other provinces. If you can't find the item you want on the online catalogue, we may be able to request it for you from one of these libraries. Interlibrary loans in all public libraries in Saskatchewan are handled centrally by staff at Palliser Regional Library.

How do I find items the Library doesn't have?

All Saskatchewan public libraries are members of SILS, the Saskatchewan Information Library Service Consortium. Through SILS, all Saskatchewan public library holdings are searchable through the shared catalogue. If you can’t find the title after searching the full SILS catalogue (and not just your library’s holdings), you can request it through interlibrary loan.

Who can use the Interlibrary Loan service?

Patrons with a valid Saskatchewan library card can request items through Interlibrary Loan. We will be unable to place an Interlibrary Loan request if your card has expired or if you have charges on your card that exceed the fines threshold (varies by library).

What is the cost?

The Interlibrary Loan service is offered free of charge to patrons for most materials borrowed. However, some libraries do charge for photocopies or micrographic reproductions and in these cases the patron or their library system will be responsible for these charges. The interlibrary loans staff will inquire if the patron is willing to cover these charges prior to placing the order. Payment options include cash or cheque.

How do I request an Interlibrary Loan?

You can request an Interlibrary Loan by filling out an online form. You will need to login with your Saskatchewan Library card and your password/PIN. This form can also be accessed by clicking on the "Can't Find It?" link below the search bar. Please submit your request with as much accurate information as possible, including title and author, as well as publisher, publication date, and ISBN if possible. You can also visit any library branch location in Saskatchewan and ask in person for staff assistance.

How long does it take?

Turnaround times and loan periods vary depending on the lending library, the volume of requests and particularly the complexity of the search. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing and delivery.

How can I track the status of my request?

1. If you submit a request through the online ILL request form and filled in the email field, you will receive a confirmation email with the following message: Thank you for submitting an Interlibrary Loan request. A library staff member will review your request and your request will appear on your library account within 3 business days.
2. Your library will then assess the request and see if it is eligible to be purchased. If it is, they will purchase the item and place a hold for you which will then appear in your list of holds.
3. If the item is not eligible for purchase, they will then create an ILL Request for you. At this time, a Message will appear on your library account: Your ILL request has been received and is being processed. You will be notified when the item is available.
4. If we do find the item through ILL, you will receive a hold notification when it arrives at your branch.
5. If we do not find the item through ILL for you, we will cancel the ILL Request and we will create another message on your account: Your ILL request was cancelled. We could not find a lending partner to provide this material.

Where are Interlibrary Loan items picked up and returned?

When your interlibrary loan material arrives at Palliser Regional Library, staff will receive and process the item and then, as with all other holds, ship it by courier to your library’s headquarters. From there it is shipped via the library’s internal courier to the pickup branch specified by the patron. You will be notified in the same way that you receive other Hold notifications when your requested item is available for pick-up. It will stay on the hold shelf for 7 days. The material should be returned to your local branch for shipping back to Palliser when you are finished with it.

Can Interlibrary Loans be renewed?

1. Yes, some interlibrary loans may be renewed. However, the loan period is set by the lending library and not by us. ILL staff can ask for a renewal, but if the lending library will not extend the loan period or renew, there is nothing that we can do.
2. To maximize your loan period, it is best to pick up your material as soon as you receive your notification that it has arrived.

3. To request a renewal, contact the Interlibrary Loans Department by email at:

   • [email protected] or
   • phone at 306.693.3669 extension 5

   Renewals must be requested at least 2 days before the item is due back.

What happens if Interlibrary Loan items are late, lost or damaged?

1. Overdue Items - If the item is kept past the due date, you may be charged $.30 per day for late fees if your library charges overdue fines.
2. Lost/Damaged Items - If the item is damaged or not returned/declared lost, you will be charged a replacement cost of $50.00.