Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan lets one library borrow a book, article, or microfilm reel from another library.

Who can request items through ILL?

Through ILL, we will borrow items that fall within our mission for those with Government & Heritage Library cards. Items requested through interlibrary loan for cardholders must either relate to North Carolina or the operational needs of North Carolina state government agencies. To obtain items outside of the Government & Heritage Library's scope, card holders will be referred to their public library.

How do I request an item?

Request an item in person, by calling us at 919-814-6790, by using this online form, or by emailing a request to slnc.reference@dncr.nc.gov.

How much does it cost?

We try and find a free lender first. If the lending library charges a fee, we'll ask you before we try to borrow it. Patrons are responsible for replacement costs if the item is damaged or lost in transit.

What can you get for me?

Whatever the lending library is willing to send. This includes books, copies of articles, and microfilm.

How long does it take?

We normally process requests within one business day.  It may take from two to six weeks to receive a response from the lending library. You'll be contacted within one business day of the arrival of the material.

Where do I pick up my item?

You can pick them up at our library. Copies are scanned and emailed to you.

Do you loan out your books or microfilm through ILL?

All circulating materials are available through interlibrary loan to other libraries in the United States. Some titles, or copies of titles, do not circulate if they are reference materials or rare/fragile. Copies of articles may be shared via interlibrary loan unless it is a suspected violation of copyright.

What is your OCLC symbol?

The OCLC symbol for the State Library is NCS.

More questions?

Contact us and ask for Interlibrary Loan.

Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

This form is for Government & Heritage Library card holders. Requests must fit within the library's mission to preserve and facilitate public access to state government information; advance the study, understanding, and appreciation of North Carolina's cultural heritage; and provide library resources and services that support the operational needs of state government agencies.

For institutional requests, please use OCLC or the ALA form. The completed form can be emailed to the library. 

All others, contact your local public library for help with interlibrary loan.