Inter-Library Loan

Who can use this service?

All patrons age 18 or over can participate.  Any overdue books or fines must be cleared with staff first.

When do I use it? 

If you are looking for a specific title that our library does not own, you may request to borrow it from another library using Inter-Library Loan by one of two methods:

1:
Use the online catalog. Open the library’s web site, www.alpinepubliclibrary.org. At the bottom of the home page there is a search bar; click on “Your Account”. From there log in to your account with your member number and your phone number or password. Scroll down the page and you will see “Texas ILL System” on the left side. Click on that link.  Type in the Search Bar on the top of the page specifically what you are searching for by title, subject, or author. You will come to a page of suggested titles. Look to the left of the page and check the box next to format you are looking for. For example: a dvd, book, large print book, etc. Next, as you scroll down and find the title you want, click on the title. Now you should see the info of the item that you have chosen. Click the blue box “Request Item” to the middle far right of the screen. On the next screen, choose “Alpine Public Library” & click continue. Type in your “Member Card Number” & then your “Phone Number”. Log in. You will then see info on the item you requested. Make sure it is correct, then fill in your phone number and your e-mail address. Click “Continue”. The next screen should say “Request Submitted”. Copy down the “Request ID” number for future reference.

OR

2:
At the Circulation Desk, ask to fill out an Inter-Library Loan request with the pertinent information, the title of the item, the author or editor, ISBN number (if known), the format of what you want (book, large print book, dvd, audio book, article), and anything specific or special instructions. Fill in your name, your APL card number, phone number, e-mail address (if available), and sign and date it. Give to the Circulation Desk when finished.

What happens next? 

Our Circulation Librarian searches libraries within our system to locate a copy of your item.  It is sent to Alpine via courier service in cooperation with Sul Ross University or by mail.

How long does it take? 

Due to availability, search time, courier and mail schedules, it may take up to 2 weeks, sometimes even up to 4 weeks, to receive your item.

How will I know when my item is available?

You will be contacted as soon as we receive the item; it will be held for you until the date specified by the lending library.

When will my ILL book be due?

Due dates vary depending on the lending institution.

What is the cost?

There is a charge of $1.50 for each ILL item, payable when you pick the item up.  If you are a current dues-paying member of Friends of the Library or age 65 or older, you can participate in the ILL program at no cost.  This benefit covers a maximum of 10 items per month; additional items must be paid for at the standard rate.  Any items refused by the patron at the time of pick-up will be charged at the standard rate.

If an ILL item is returned after its due date, the patron must pay all fines and processing costs assessed by lending library.

Should an ILL item be lost, the patron is responsible for all charges assessed by the lending library.

What else do I need to know?

APL may restrict the number of items requested through Inter-Library Loan by an individual patron to ensure fair, equitable, and timely service within the constraints of budget and staffing.