 
When the Winnipeg Public Library doesn't have a book, microfilm reel, or magazine article that you need, we can often locate it in another library outside our system. An interlibrary loan involves our obtaining an item on your behalf from another library system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request an interlibrary loan?
Fill in an Interlibrary Loan Request Form either online (above) or in paper format (available at all library branches). The online form will automatically be sent to library staff. Return the completed paper form to the reference desk at your local library.
Please provide as much information as you can about the item you want: author, title, publication date or edition if that is important, ISBN, etc. If you need something by a specific date, indicate the deadline. Indicate the maximum amount you're willing to pay if we can't borrow the item for free.
BACK
Who can use the service?
Anyone who has a valid Winnipeg Public Library card having unpaid fines of $10 or less.
BACK
Are there any charges for interlibrary loans?
The Winnipeg Public Library does not charge for this service but if the owning library charges a fee, we pass it on to you. This is why the form asks for the maximum amount you are willing to pay. Fees can range from $10 to $25 for loans or photocopies.
You will be notified of any charges when we notify you that your interloan has arrived. Payment can be made only by personal cheque or money order made out to the providing institution when you pick up the materials.
Any charges for damaged or lost materials will be passed on to you.
BACK
What isn't available through interlibrary loan?
- Audiovisual materials such as DVDs, videos, CDs, or CD-ROMs
- Recently published books (within the last 12 months)
- Non-circulating or reference materials
- Rare materials, original manuscripts
- Oversized materials such as large maps
- Copyright law may limit the amount of information another library can photocopy
BACK
What is the loan period for an interlibrary loan item?
The loan period depends on the owning library and can be three weeks or less. Try to pick up your interlibrary loan as soon as we contact you, since the lending period begins on the day the item arrives here. The longer you wait to pick it up, the shorter your loan period will be.
BACK
Can interlibrary loans be renewed?
Many interlibrary loan items are not renewable. Some institutions do allow renewals on requested materials, but if you would like to renew you must contact our interlibrary loan staff five days before the date the item is due. Call 311 to leave a message or talk to a staff member.
BACK
How long does it take to interloan an item?
Waiting times vary, but in most cases it takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the availability and the location of the item requested. We will notify you if the item is unavailable.
BACK
How will I be notified that my interlibrary loan has arrived?
The Library will notify you by phone or email (whichever contact method you choose on the Interlibrary Loan Request form) when the item is available for pick-up. We will also inform you of the item's due date and any charges.
BACK
Where can I pick up and return my interlibrary loans?
You can pick up and return interlibrary loans only at the reference desks of the Millennium and St. Boniface library branches. At the Millennium Library, books and articles are picked up at the 4th floor Information Services Desk and microfilm in the Local History Room on the 3rd floor. Interlibrary loans must be taken back to the reference desk where they were signed out, not dropped off through the book chute.
Microfilm reels must be used in the Library and cannot be taken out.
BACK
|
