Miami-Dade Public Library System

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:
As of December 1, 2010, the Miami-Dade Public Library System will charge a $2.00 fee for each filled Interlibrary Loan request. There may also be additional charges associated with ILL items if the lending library system requires this. The patron is responsible for all of these charges which may include 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. Payments 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.

Materials borrowed through the ILL Department cannot be left in book drops. Borrowers must return ILL items in person to one of the public service desks at any Library branch.