Purpose:
The Interlibrary Loan Service assists Miami-Dade Public Library System valid library card holders in obtaining library materials which are not in the System’s collections.
This service complies with the National Interlibrary Loan Code which is sponsored by the American Library Association and participating libraries.
Structure and Scope:
ILL forms are provided throughout the system. In compliance with the copyright laws, all forms must include the patron’s signature. There is no limit to the number of forms submitted.
The following type of materials cannot be requested:
books published in the last 12 months
best seller or high demand titles
titles owned by Miami-Dade Public Library System which are in circulation, on hold or in reference
magazine issues, newspapers, or serials
Miami-Dade Public Library System abides by copyright law restrictions. The ILL Department reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law.
Cost and Fees:
Miami-Dade Public Library System provides free interlibrary loan services, but other libraries may charge for specific items. The patron is responsible for all charges which the supplying library may make including postage and transaction fees. Photocopy requests are likely to carry a charge. The patron must complete the maximum cost I will pay section on the ILL forms. Payment for overdue or lost books are the sole responsibility of the patron.
Outstanding interlibrary loan materials and financial charges will result in suspension of all borrowing privileges in this library system.
Interlibrary Loan Service Guidelines and Procedures
Submitting Requests:
There are two types of forms:
Book Request
Photocopy Request
All requests should be clearly written or typed and include accurate, complete bibliographic information: i.e. author, title, publisher and publication date.
For periodical requests, this should also include:
periodical title
volume
number
date
page
source of citation
Do Not Use Abbreviations
Notification and Status Reports:
Items will be sent to the pick-up branch where the patron will be informed by phone as to their arrival. A post card will be sent only if the library is unable to contact the patron by phone. Items not picked up by the due date will be sent back to the ILL Department for their return to the lending library. The patron will also be informed through the branch if material is not available.
Inquiries on the status of requests can be made during ILL Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Tel: 305-375-4068.
Renewing Requests:
A patron may ask for renewal by calling the ILL Department two days before the due date. Renewal requests may or may not be granted by the lending libraries. The patron will be notified of renewal status. Items that cannot be renewed must be returned immediately.
Photocopy:
Photocopies are not checked out and do not have a due date. Free photocopies will be mailed to the patron’s address. Photocopies for which there is a charge will be sent to the pick-up branch. Payment should be made by check or money order payable to the lending library, not to MDPLS. The Library can not accept cash.
Borrower's Responsibilities:
Materials should be returned by the due date indicated. Due dates, as well as overdue fines and replacement costs, are established by the lending libraries. Patrons must follow the lending library restrictions: i.e. materials for library use only, materials may not be photocopied, etc.
The borrower agrees to care properly for the material and assumes responsibilities for replacement or repair costs if material is lost or damaged. The condition of the material is noted upon arrival at the ILL Department and before it is sent for patron pick-up.
