What materials can be requested?
Feel free to request any type of material your patron needs. The SEO interlibrary loan staff will attempt to find a lender for all requests.
How do I make a request?
If your library uses the Referral Center, you can request interlibrary loans through that website. Otherwise, you can complete the interlibrary loan forms on the SEO website.
What is the Referral Center, and how can my library use it?
The Referral Center is a free web-based management platform where library staff can place, renew, and return interlibrary loan requests. If your library does not currently use the Referral Center and is interested in joining, please email Paula Clark at pclark@library.ohio.gov or open a support ticket.
Are there any fees to borrow material?
SEO staff prioritize selecting libraries that do not charge borrowing fees, specifically Ohio libraries on Priority Dispatch. However, if an item has an associated fee, SEO will contact you first to confirm. Your library will be billed directly by the lender.
Who is responsible for the material?
According to the American Library Association’s RUSA Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States (Section 4.9), the borrowing library is responsible for the item from the time it is mailed until it is returned and received by the lending library.
Can I order multiple copies for a book club?
Yes. When submitting the request, please input the specific number of copies needed in the title field.
Can ILL materials be renewed?
Yes, interlibrary loan materials can be renewed if the lending library allows it.
I received an unfilled notice. Can I request the item again?
Yes, feel free to request the item again. If additional lenders are available, SEO staff will attempt to borrow the material from them.
Where do I return the material?
Return the material directly to the lending library. Most items include a return label; if one is missing, you can print your own labels through WorldShare or contact the ILL staff for the return address.