1.  What materials can be obtained through interlibrary loan?

Books and photocopies of periodical articles not available through the Fannie Brown Booth Library. Audio-video materials are loaned on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the discretion of the lending library.

2.  Who is eligible to use the ILL Service?

Anyone with a valid FBBL library card and in good standing can use this service.

3.  Where can I find interlibrary loan request forms?

Patrons may ask for the ILL forms at the Circulation desk or call 936-598-5522 for a faxed form.

4.  How long does it take to get a book?

Search times on books can vary from several days to several weeks, depending on how rare the book is and if a nearby library has a copy of the book.

5.  How long can I keep a book?

Borrowing times are set by the lending library; loan times vary.

6.  Can I recheck an ILL book?

Renewals are given at the discretion of the lending library. They are not automatic. To request a renewal, call the library.

7.  What materials can I not get on interlibrary loan?

• Fiction books less than 3 months old
• Non-fiction books less than 6 months old
• Current best sellers
• Oprah books
• Reference books
• Non-circulation books
• Rare books
• Antique books published before 1860
• Bulky or fragile materials such as newspapers and phonograph records
• Genealogy books
• Multiple materials for classroom use

8.  What is the difference in requesting a book and a journal article?

Photocopy requests are treated exactly the same as a book request, except a different form is used. Photocopies may be requested from any periodical or book not currently located in the FBBL online catalogue.

9.  What information is needed to fill out a request form?

For a book:

Either the author or the title must be known. If the author is known and not the title, include a description of the subject.  If title is known but not the author, indicate whether it is fiction or non-fiction. If the book has an editor, include it in place of the author.

For periodicals:

Patrons will need to include the title of the journal of magazine; name of the article; volume, issue, and date of the magazine; and any and all page numbers. Please specify the amount you are willing to pay for the article or how much for each page.

10. What is the cost?

Patrons pay the mailing costs to the FBBL library for the material requested. Average cost for one book is $1.50.