About InterLibrary Loan (Policy)

A Larger Collection…

If you haven’t found what you want in the Hershey Library Catalog, our interlibrary loan service (ILL) may be able to borrow an item for you from another library. Requests may be submitted electronically by using the:

Interlibrary Loan Book and Media Request Form – for books, audiobooks on CD,  MP3 audiobooks, music on CD, and DVDs.

Interlibrary Loan Article Request Form – if you want a magazine/periodical article.

All items requested via these forms must be picked up at the Hershey Public Library. Questions not answered below, should be directed to the Interlibrary Loan Department via email or by calling 533-6555 extension 3723.

 

Interlibrary Loan

ILL is a service that allows any registered borrower, in good standing, to request items that HPL does not own such as books, audiobooks, DVDs and articles from other library systems.

 

Who May Use Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

All Hershey Public Library cardholders with a current account in “good standing” may request materials through Interlibrary Loan. Patron accounts must be in accordance with current circulation rules. In order for your account to be considered in “good standing” all of the following must apply:

  • valid library card
  • must be able to verify current address
  • no overdue fines or fees over $5.00
  • no overdue or lost materials on account

 

How Do I Request Materials Through the ILL Department?

Requests may be made two ways:

  • Online using the electronic form
  • In person at the Public Services Desk, using the paper form

 

Is There a Limit to the Number of Requests I Can Make?

Patrons are limited to five active requests per week.

If we are unable to fulfill your request, you will be notified.

 

May I Combine My Requests on One Form?

No. Complete a separate request for each item. All requests should be clearly printed and include accurate and complete bibliographic information. Do not use abbreviations.

 

How Soon Will My Request(s) Arrive?

Allow at least two to four weeks. Arrival times vary and depend on the availability of the item and the time it takes to deliver it. Some requests may take four to six weeks to arrive.

 

How Will I know When My Book or Article is Available?

Information regarding the arrival of items, approval or disapproval of renewal requests, overdue fees and recalls, unfilled requests, and any other pertinent matters will be communicated to the patron by phone or email as requested. Because it is not always possible to speak with the borrower when telephoning, it is often necessary to leave a message with another individual answering at the number listed on the request form or answering machine. We suggest that email and voice messages be checked regularly if you are expecting materials through ILL.

 

How Much Does This Service Cost?

The Hershey Public Library does not currently charge any fees for Interlibrary Loan services for borrowers in good standing. If an item is lost, damaged, or not returned, the patron is responsible for the replacement cost, plus any additional processing fees assessed by the lending library. Fines of $1.00 per day per item will be incurred for overdue materials. Magazine articles photocopying charges are at least $.25 per page. Minimum fees of $5.00 to $20.00 per article can be imposed by libraries providing them.

 

*Please remember that you are responsible for paying the ILL fee even if you do not pick up the item. Patrons who request an item via Interlibrary Loan and fail to pick up the item (once they have been notified by Library Staff) will be assessed a fee between $2.50 to $5.00 for each unclaimed item, in addition to any fees or charges assessed by the lending library. These charges will be reflected on the patron’s account.

 

How Long May I Keep ILL Materials?

The length of time varies. Each individual lending library or institution determines the loan period.

 

Can I Renew ILL Materials?

Renewals are at the sole discretion of the lending library and cannot be guaranteed. If an item is marked NO RENEWALS, the lending library will not extend the loan period under any circumstances. If more time is needed, the staff will attempt to renew the item and notify the patron if the item may or may not be renewed. Lenders usually determine a renewal within 2- 7 days. Renewal requests must be made seven days before the due date. Overdue materials cannot be renewed. Please contact Denise at 717-533-6555 X 3723 or email denisephillips@derrytownship.org with any renewal questions.

 

What Are the Overdue Charges for an ILL?                                                           

Fines of $1.00 per day per item will be incurred for overdue materials

 

May I Return an ILL in the Bookdrop?

Yes.

 

What If I Lose Or Damage ILL Materials?

Users are liable for the replacement or repair costs of materials in their possession if loss or damage occurs. The replacement cost for a lost or damaged book is determined by the lending library.

You will be billed for lost or damaged materials at the current replacement costs established by the lending library. If your item is more than 30 days late, your account will be charged an initial replacement cost of $100 per item on day 31, plus a non-refundable $10.00 processing fee. If the lending library determines the item’s replacement cost is higher or lower than $100, you will be charged or credited accordingly.

 

What Types of Materials Can I Ask For Through ILL?

  • Books (older than six months) that the Hershey Public Library does not already own
  • Photocopies of newspaper, magazine or journal articles that you cannot access through the Library’s Power Library (All patrons must comply with copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).
  • Items currently owned by the Hershey Public Library that are listed as missing, lost or overdue
  • Audiobooks on cd
  • DVDs
  • An item that is in a format different than the format the Hershey Public Library does own

 

Are There Certain Items I Cannot Request Through ILL?

  • Newly published books (within six months of publication date)
  • Magazines
  • Items that are in the Hershey Public Library’s catalog
  • Reference and non-circulating items

 

Must I Be Present to Pick Up My Item?                                                                    

ILL materials may only be checked out on the card of the patron whose name appears on the request form. The requesting patron’s library card must be presented at the Public Services Desk in order to pick up any material. No exceptions will be made to this policy. Interlibrary Loan materials will be held on the regular hold shelf. You will have until the due date on the ILL item to pick it up before they will be sent back to the lending library. Be sure to pick up your request as soon as you receive notification to have the maximum time possible with the item.

 

How Do I Cancel an ILL Request?                                                                   

Contact Denise at 717-533-6555 X 3723 or email denisephillips@derrytownship.org. Once the material is en route from the lending library, the request cannot be cancelled. A non-pick up fee of between $2.50 and $5.00 will be charged to cover return postage.

 

Borrower’s Responsibilities                                                                                       

Library users must return materials at the end of the loan period and return recalled materials immediately, so that materials are not absent from the lending library for an unreasonable length of time. Patrons who do not comply with all regulations will lose any further Interlibrary Loan privileges.

 

The Following Will Not Result in Reduced/Canceled Fees:

  • Failure to note due dates or to renew on time
  • Lack of knowledge of loan regulations
  • Disagreement with library or loan policy
  • Inability to pay overdue fees or other charges
  • Failure to receive overdue or recall notices
  • Unwillingness to take responsibility for materials loaned to a third party

 

Board Approved 3/16/21