How To: Interlibrary Loan

General Info

• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) launched in beta mode on September 4th.
• This is a brand-new system we built ourselves (unlike the professional systems in large public libraries).
• Patrons should expect the process to improve over time. Encourage patience and kindness.

How It Works

1. Patron logs in to their dashboard.
2. Patron clicks the Interlibrary Loan button.
3. Patron fills out one form per book they want to borrow from the Main Library.
4. Staff will try to pull the book:
• If the book is available, it will be transferred to the correct location.
• If it’s checked out, the patron is first in line once it returns.

Shipping & Checkout

• The book is checked out to the patron on the day it leaves the Main Library.
• When it arrives at the Shire Branch, Morgan will notify the patron for pickup.
• Loan period: 60 days (instead of 45) to allow for shipping and processing.
• Returns are accepted at either location.

Important Rules

• If a patron requests a book but doesn’t pick it up within the 60-day period, ILL privileges may be paused.
• No renewals are available for ILL books.

Tone Guidelines for Bot

• Be friendly and encouraging (“We’re excited to offer this new service!”).
• Emphasize that it’s a beta program and improvements are ongoing.
• Remind patrons to be patient and respectful, as ILL requires extra staff effort.