What is interlibrary loan?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the process by which a library requests materials for their patrons from another library. We obtain material from libraries throughout Connecticut and the U. S.

Use interlibrary loan to obtain items that are not owned by the Stratford Library.

• You may request books, photocopies of magazine articles, and microfilm.  
• You may also request music CDs, audiocassettes, audio books and VHS tapes. DVDs are not available via ILL at this time.
  • Items published or produced within the last six months are not available through ILL.
  • If you want a newer item that the library doesn't own yet, use the email form at Ask a Librarian to suggest that we purchase it.
  • The Stratford Library will not accept ILL requests for an item that we have in our collection, even if it is checked out to another person. 
    
    
• Keep in mind that most audio-visual materials are difficult to obtain through ILL, however, you may use your Stratford Library card at any public library in Connecticut to borrow materials in person. 
• We can assist you in placing a hold on that item.  Please visit, email or call the Reference Department at 385-4164.

To place an ILL request at the Stratford library, you must be a Stratford resident. If you are not a Stratford resident, contact your hometown library and ask about their ILL services.

You can place an ILL request online through ReQuest, the statewide library catalog.

• Check out our step by step instructions in the right hand column. Or, you can simply telephone the library at 385-4164 and tell us your request over the phone.  
• You may request up to 5 items at a time.  If you wish to request more than 5 items, visit the library and the librarians will show you how to use the online ReQuest database.

Interlibrary loan service is usually free. Occasionally, the lending library will charge a fee.  If we cannot obtain your items free of charge, you will be contacted prior to ordering.    

Most ILL items arrive within 3 - 4 weeks of ordering.  However, a copy of an article may arrive within a few hours.  Hard-to-obtain items may take a month or more to arrive. Some items may be unavailable.  Please plan accordingly if materials are needed for a term paper!

• If you need the item right away, you can use the statewide library catalog, ReQuest, to locate it at another library near you. 
• You can use your current Stratford Library card to borrow materials from any Connecticut public library.
• Call ahead to confirm the availability of material at the library in question before making a special trip. 
• Most items may be returned to the Stratford Library.  Please check with the lending library when you pick-up the materials.
• For assistance, email or call the Reference Department at 385-4164. 

The due date is set by the lending institution, and can vary from one week to one month. ILL materials may be renewed once by calling 385-4164.   

• All items borrowed through ILL must be returned directly to Stratford Library.  Do not return items to the lending library.

A request for a magazine article is usually filled with a photocopy of the article. You may keep these photocopies.

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Stratford Library Association
2203 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615
203-385-4164
203-381-2079 fax