Interlibrary Loan

Search & Request, opens a new window | Suggest a Purchase

Request items not owned by Omaha Public Library (OPL) from another library.
Any individual who has an unrestricted OPL card in good standing may use this service. Patron accounts must be in accordance with current circulation rules. Currently a patron must have an account balance under $50.

Rules:

Patrons agree to pay the cost of returning the loaned item to the lending library (exact amount will depend on item's weight and whether the lending library requires UPS shipping). The lending library may impose an additional service fee. If it does, the patron will be informed of, and must agree to, that fee before the item is sent. Note that once requested items are in transit to OPL, they cannot be canceled. Additionally, although libraries do their utmost to keep audiovisual materials in good working order, the condition of these items cannot be guaranteed and does not exempt the user from paying the return postage.

Items are loaned by libraries in the continental United States. Circulation rules, including loan periods and use of materials, are set by the lending library. Patrons will be held responsible for any charges incurred for damaged or lost items set by the lending library.

Patrons will be limited to two active requests at any given time. This includes requests that are pending, in process, shipped, and received/in use. Patrons may have three extra titles in the Review File waiting for processing. These limits apply to all formats, including photocopies.

Staff will, if necessary, process each title twice through OCLC (a global library cooperative). This allows for the possibility of obtaining the item from one of 10 libraries. If none of the 10 libraries is able to supply the item the patron will be notified.

Interlibrary loan requests will not be accepted for textbooks or for any item that OPL already owns, even if it is a non-circulating item. This rule does not apply to different formats of an item (for example, customers may request a print version of a book OPL offers only as an eBook or audiobook). Please note that eBooks and other downloadable materials cannot be borrowed via interlibrary loan.

Patrons who do not comply with these regulations will lose any further interlibrary loan privileges.

Procedures:

  • Visit any OPL location. Staff will assist customers in either filling out the interlibrary loan form or submitting a request via a computer.

OR

  • Search for items online through the WorldCat database, opens a new window. When you find an item you would like to request, click on the blue button to the right of the record labeled "Request via ILL" to pull up the online request form. If you encounter issues submitting the form or finding an item in the database, you can also email ill@omahalibrary.org, opens a new window with your request. Please include your name, library barcode, and as much information on the item as possible.

If you have any questions about how to make the interlibrary loan request, please call 402.444.4800 or 402.444.4857. Requested items, excluding microfilm, may be picked up at and returned to any OPL location. All microfilm must stay and be viewed in the Genealogy Room. Patrons must have their library card or ID to check out these materials. Items are not to be returned in the book drop.

Since most libraries will not loan materials published or produced within the last 12 months, it is suggested that customers submit a Suggest a Purchase form rather than submitting an interlibrary loan request for new materials.

Print this page