Interlibrary Loan is a system that allows libraries to share resources with one another. For items you could not found from our library catalog, ILL staff will try to locate a potential lending library and send a request to borrow the item you seek. The lending library photocopies articles or checks out the material in the name of Harris County Public Library. It then mails it to HCPL for you to pick up and check out on your library card.
Harris County Public Library does not request interlibrary loans for items currently owned by Harris County Public Library or one of our partner library systems: Bellaire City Library, Montgomery County Library System and Pasadena Public Library.
The library will not borrow:
ILL requests can be placed by anyone with a valid Harris County Public Library full-service card. Group and visitor cards do not have ILL borrowing privileges.
Use ILL only when the item you wish to check out is not owned by Harris County Public Library System and the item is at least six months post-publication or post-release.
For each item you request, you will need
When requesting an article from a magazine or journal, you will need
When the changes to the ILL management system are complete (on or about May 28, 2024), ILL requests can be placed online using the SHAREit ILL system. Here is a User Guide with instructions for most common tasks including ordering an ILL. Here is a brief video covering much of the same infrormation.
There is a limit to 10 active requests (filled or pending) at any given time through ILL. You must have a valid Harris County Public Library card, PIN, and email address. Notices regarding ILL requests will be sent to the email address on file.
Visit the ILL page to place a request.
The length of time involved in obtaining a loan or photocopy can vary. We are unable to control the time it may take a lending library to send requested items. However, most materials can be obtained between 2-8 weeks from the date your request was submitted. Be sure to submit your ILL request well in advance of the time you will need it. You will be notified by phone, email, or mail when the material arrives. Materials ready for pickup are held at the customer service desk for 7 days. If we are unable to fulfill your request, you will receive an email notification with this information.
HCPL does not charge any fees for ILL unless they are set by the lending library. Photocopies of articles are usually provided free of charge or for a small fee. Please state on each form the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the requested material. If an item is lost or damaged, you are responsible for the replacement cost in addition to any processing fees charged by the lending library. No items with a replacement value of $250 or more will be requested.
HCPL does not renew interlibrary loans.
Our library respects all restrictions placed on materials by the lending library. ILL relies on consideration and goodwill between libraries. When ILL materials are not returned promptly, it reflects poorly on the borrowing library and some lenders may stop lending materials to the offending library. Customer abuse of ILL due dates, the accepted conditions on loans, or damage to ILL materials will result in the suspension of a customer’s ILL loan privileges. Please return your ILL materials on or before the due date printed on the checkout slip.
The library staff at your local Harris County Public Library branch can assist you with placing an ILL request. Here is a list of our branches with contact information: HCPL Locations. You can also call our Administration (713-274-6600) and ask for the Interlibrary Loan department.
HCPL only allows 75 items to be checked out at a time which includes interlibrary loans and pending requests. If you currently have 70 items checked out, the system will not allow you to place more than five requests as that would exceed the 75 items maximum. Once you return some items, you'll be able to place more ILL requests.
ou may request to cancel a pending ILL request. However, a cancelation may not be possible if a lending library has already processed the item to be shipped. At that point, the ILL request will stay active and may only be returned after it arrives at Harris County Public Library.
The customer is responsible for all fees that are charged by the lending library due to damage or loss. Unpaid fines and fees will go on a customer’s library record and if not resolved will result in the loss of borrowing privileges. Customers must be careful to return all ILL materials on time with any identifying labels.
ILL is a special service that the Library is able to offer its customers. It has unique procedures and guidelines that Harris County Public Library and its customer must follow. If HCPL customers have any questions about this service, they are encouraged to contact their local branch for additional information.
Although we attempt to fulfill almost any request, the following types of materials are often difficult to obtain through ILL:
ILL may only be checked out on the original requestor’s library account using the requester’s library card or driver’s license. If someone else is picking up your ILL, he/she must present your card or driver’s license to check them out.
If you are having trouble placing your ILL request and you see an error message, you will need to check on the status of your library account. There are several possibilities that could create a restriction. You could have overdue library materials, an outstanding fine of $25 or more, lost items, or invalid contact information on your account. You will need to correct any restrictions before you can place your ILL request.
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