Interlibrary Loan & TexShare Cards
When we don't have what you are looking for
Occasionally, you may find that Harris County Public Library does not have the book or other item you are looking for. Don't panic! Our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service and Texshare Card program can connect you with partner libraries across the state and around the globe that might have just what you are looking for.
NOTICE: The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has changed its ILL management system. HCPL is now using the new system. Below you will find information to help you use the new system.
FAQ - Changes to ILL - May 2024
-
HCPL’s Interlibrary Loan services are switching to a new system called SHAREit. Part of this new system is a new website and catalog where you can search for and place requests on items. This new catalog is called Texas Armadillo Network.
-
Our Interlibrary Loan services are available through participation in the Texas State Library’s Interlibrary Loan program. The Texas State Library made the decision to transition to a new Interlibrary Loan system and that decision affects all libraries who participate in the Texas State Library’s Interlibrary Loan program.
-
We will begin our migration on Wednesday, May 17th, and it will last until Saturday, May 27th. During this time, you will not be able to place any new Interlibrary Loan requests, but any requests placed before the migration will be filled as usual. Other libraries throughout Texas will be migrating between May 1st and June 30th.
-
Not at all! This change is only for Interlibrary Loan requests, and it will not affect your ability to place holds on items through our Harris County Public Library website or app.
-
CLICK HERE to visit the new website.
Remember to update any browser bookmarks you have for the old ILL page! The new site will not be available for use until the migration is complete. We expect it to available on May 28, 2024.
Printable Instructuctions
Printable instructions for making ILL requests, tracking requests, and many other common tasks: CLICK HERE
VIDEO: Introduction to the New ILL Management System
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Interlibrary Loan (or ILL) is a system that allows libraries to share resources with one another. HCPL's ILL staff 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 participates in the TexShare Library Card Program sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, opens a new window. The TexShare Card Program provides free borrowing privileges to registered borrowers of member libraries, both academic and public.
The TexShare card allows HCPL cardholders to borrow materials from other participating libraries in the State of Texas. Only currently registered HCPL customers in good standing (no overdue or lost books, and no library fines) may get a TexShare card from Harris County.
TexShare Cardholders visiting from another library system will be asked to provide proof of mailing address, issued HCPL library cards, and allowed full HCPL borrowing privileges with the exception of Interlibrary Loan.
Only HCPL customers registered for 90 days in good standing (no overdue or lost books, and no library fines) may get a TexShare card from Harris County.
For complete information on this Texas State Library & Archives Commission program see the TexShare homepage.
