Request an Interlibrary Loan

Didn’t find what you need from our library or any of the libraries in the Onondaga County Public Library (OCPL) system?

We can borrow materials from libraries all over the country for free via an Interlibrary Loan Request. 

Once you've confirmed OCPL does not own the item you want, please call or visit LPL in person to complete an Interlibrary Loan Request Form with a librarian.

What Items Can I Request?

• Books
• Copies of articles
• Copies of patents and ERIC documents
• Census materials
• Media - videos, books on tape, CDs, DVDs (NOTE: Media items can be difficult to obtain)

We Do Not Borrow

• Material we already own, including non-circulating items, unless marked lost or withdrawn in Polaris 
• The same title already borrowed by the same patron within 6 months 
• Playaways or Wonderbooks 
• ebooks or eAudiobooks, or software 
• Whole issues of print periodicals 
• Multiple copies of one title e.g. books for book clubs 
• Materials published or released within the current calendar year 

How Many Items Can I Borrow / Request At One Time?

• You may have up to five active requests at one time.
• Active means requested/pending, held or checked out

How Do I Request An Item?

• Visit in person.
• Speak with us at any public service desk about filling out an Interlibrary Loan form
• Please be sure you have a valid and current OCPL card, with any fines totaling less than $5 and no lost items on your card.
• Please specify which OCPL location is most convenient for pickup AND return. Interlibrary Loan items must be borrowed and returned at the same library.

How Much Does It Cost?

• We do not charge a fee for this service.
• We make every attempt to find materials at libraries that do not charge.
• In some cases, however, materials are available only at libraries that charge.
• When you fill out the request form, you may indicate whether you are willing to pay any fees imposed by the lending library for the items requested and, if so, what is the maximum dollar amount you are willing to pay.

What Are My Responsibilities?

• You are responsible for returning any borrowed items by the due date listed, as well as for any charges that may result from loss of or damage to the items borrowed.

How Soon Will My Requested Items Arrive?

• Items usually arrive within three to four weeks of the date of the request.
• If items are needed by a certain date, please specify the date on the request form.
• Loan periods start when the items are sent from the lending library, not at checkout.

How Long Can I Borrow Items?

• Loan periods are determined by the lending library.
• Renewals are sometimes allowed and must be requested before the due date.

What Materials Will We Lend to Other Libraries?

• Books
• Copies of Articles
• Videos (DVD) [availability is often limited due to local demand]
• Sound recordings: CDs and audiobooks 

We Do Not Lend

• Software
• Blu-Rays, Playaways, Downloadable books or ebooks
• Reference materials
• Microfilm or microfiche
• Local History/Genealogy materials