Richmond County Public Library

Interlibrary Loans

Great news! If we do not have the material you are looking for we can get it through Interlibrary Loan!

FAQs and Guidelines

What is Interlibrary Loan(ILL)?

Interlibrary loan is a service through which libraries lend their materials to other libraries. ILL practices are based upon the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) Interlibrary Loan Guidelines.

Who may use ILL services?

To use Interlibrary Loan (ILL), you must be a registered patron of the Richmond County Public Library and in good standing. ILL requests may not be accepted from patrons who have been delinquent with ILLs in the past or for those who have ordered ILL items and not picked them up. All Rappahannock Community College students must go to the RCC library page to submit ILL requests.

Does ILL cost anything?

There is no charge for ILL. However if we cannot get the item you need for free from another library, we will ask if you are willing to pay any fee that a lending library charges to borrow an item. This is unusual though, most items can be borrowed from another library without charge. Borrowers are financially responsible for the replacement or repair of Interlibrary Loaned materials lost or damaged during the time the material is in their possession. If ILL material is lost or damaged, you are responsible for paying any fees charged by the lending library. Your library account may be blocked if you abuse ILL privileges and ILL requests may not be accepted from patrons who have been delinquent with ILLs in the past.

How long does it take to get materials through ILL?

This depends upon where the materials are coming from, the format and method of delivery. Check with library staff for more details.

How long can I keep ILL materials and can they be renewed?

Journal article copies are often emailed as PDF files and may be kept without returning. For books and DVDs this depends upon the policies of the lending library. In general, most materials are lent for six to eight weeks. Requests for renewals may be submitted but it is also dependent upon the lending library. All renewal requests may be requested by email to Elizabeth Hadley, ehadley@rappahannock.edu or by phone at 804-333-6715.

How do I know when my item has arrived, where do I pick up my item and how do I return it?

You will be notified by phone or email when the material has been received. You pick up the materials from the library service desk at the location indicated on your request form. If the materials are not picked up within 2 weeks of contact, they will be returned to the lending library. ILL requests may not be accepted from patrons who have been delinquent with ILLs in the past or for those who have ordered ILL materials and not picked them up. You return ILL materials at the library service desk or in the book drop near the campus entrance.

More ILL Questions?

Please contact Elizabeth Hadley by email at ehadley@rappahannock.edu or phone at 804-333-6715. You may also contact the Warsaw library service desk at 804-333-6710.

In order to submit an ILL request, please complete the ILL form below. Once completed click SUBMIT. You will be notified when the requested material is ready for pick up. Please remember to check your email’s spam or junk folder, as we will reach out to you by email.


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