Interlibrary loan requests are fulfilled by a library outside of our library consortium. Access WorldCat Discovery to search for the item and submit a request form with your Oak Park library card and PIN. Request an item with WorldCat Discovery »
Who can make a request?
Anyone who is a resident of Oak Park and has a valid library card.
What kinds of items can I request?
Most kinds of items, including books, CDs, DVDs, microfilm, and copies of articles. It can be difficult for us to fulfill interlibrary loan requests for genealogical materials, reference books, and textbooks.
Is there a fee to request or borrow?
There are no fees to request or borrow items. However, as with all library materials, lost or damaged items are subject to replacement fees determined by the lending library.
How do I submit a request?
- From the Can’t Find an Item? page, click on the Request an Item with Worldcat Discovery button.
- Enter the title of the item you’re looking for in the search box.
- Once you find the item, click on the title name.
- On the page for the individual title, click on the Request Item through Interlibrary Loan button (inside the Access Options box).
- Enter your Oak Park library card number and PIN when prompted.
- The item information will appear automatically in the form. Scroll down past this information.
- Towards the bottom of the form, you’ll need to enter your preferred pickup location, first and last name, Oak Park library card number, and email address.
- Click the Submit request button at the bottom of the form.
Where can I view my submitted requests?
Once you submit a request, library staff will review it and enter the request as a hold on your library account. You can view your holds by logging into your account with your Oak Park library card and PIN.
When will items arrive?
Items borrowed from Illinois libraries usually take two to three weeks to arrive, but this can vary due to availability. Out-of-state items vary depending on availability and where we request them from. When the item arrives, we will check it out to your account and notify you by email that it is available for pickup.
Where do I pick up items?
Items will be held on the hold shelf at the library location you chose for pickup. Interlibrary loan items will have pink wrap on them to differentiate them from items checked out from Oak Park or another SWAN library. The interlibrary loan item will already be checked out to your account, but if you are picking up other items, you will need to check those other items out to your account.
How long can I keep items? Are there late fees?
- The length of loan periods, renewal options, overdue fines, and conditions for use are determined by the lending libraries. Learn more in the Interlibrary Loan Policy »
- The libraries we get your items from will determine the due date. Due dates are printed on the white band attached to your item.
- Please email interlibrary@oppl.org to request a renewal. Renewals are granted at the discretion of the lending library, and you will be notified regarding their approval or denial.
Where do I return items?
Interlibrary loan materials can be returned to any Oak Park library location.
What happens if I lose or damage an item?
If you’ve lost or damaged your interlibrary loan item, please contact us at interlibrary@oppl.org. The lending library will determine the replacement cost.
How can I learn more?
Email us anytime at interlibrary@oppl.org.
