Interlibrary loan policies

Last revised 09.22.15

Who can use interlibrary loan?

We will try to borrow the following materials from libraries located in the United States or Canada:

The library is unable to borrow:

Items published in the current calendar year.
Ebooks and downloadable audio.
Musical recordings, software, video games or video recordings (DVDs/BluRays) in any format.
Items owned by Multnomah County Library
Books printed before 1800. We will try to borrow these materials in reprint or microform, if available.
Bound periodicals. We will request photocopies or microform.

The library always attempts to borrow from libraries who lend free of charge. However:

The library will pay up to $10 per request.
If the cost of borrowing is more than $10, the library will not continue with the interlibrary loan request until the patron agrees to pay the remaining charges.

Items are charged a late fee of $.25 per day per item.
Items that are 30 days overdue or returned with significant damage will result in a $50 minimum charge.
Patrons with overdue interlibrary loan items may not check out additional items through interlibrary loan.
Interlibrary loan materials can only be checked out on the library card of the person who requested them.
Patrons may request one renewal of interlibrary loan materials, but renewals are not guaranteed and must be requested before the due date. Contact the interlibrary loan office (illmcl@multcolib.org) to request a renewal.
There is a limit of five active interlibrary loan requests.
For help and frequently asked questions see our help page.

If you have questions about these policies please contact the interlibrary loan office at 503.988.5123 or libhelp@multcolib.org.