WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

SIL lends material to all OCLC and RLG member libraries, the Library of Congress and all Federal Libraries. SIL will lend to non-OCLC libraries which request materials on appropriate ALA or IFLA interlibrary loan form.

WHAT MATERIALS MAY NOT BE SUPPLIED?

Reference books, rare books, non-paper items, periodicals, bulky or oversized materials along with other non-circulating materials will not circulate on interlibrary loan. Limited photocopying may be possible from these materials subject to U.S. Copyright Law.

ARE THERE LENDING COSTS?

An IFM lending fee will be charged to all libraries who are currently charging SIL. Federal libraries, CIRLA members and free lenders will not be charged.

WHAT ARE THE PACKING REQUIREMENTS?

Please box returned ILL materials. See “Staff & Contact Info” for returned mailing addresses.

WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE METHODS OF TRANSMISSION?

• OCLC requests (use our symbol SMI twice on lending string)
• Electronic requests accepted: libreq@si.edu
• Citations must be verified in SIRIS, SIL online catalog: LINK.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TURNAROUND TIME?

Smithsonian Institution Libraries processes requests as quickly as possible once they are received. The turn around time varies greatly and depends upon the material and the location of the requesting library. Requests can take from a few days to several weeks.

WHAT IS THE LOAN PERIOD FOR REQUESTED MATERIALS?

Materials are loaned for thirty days. One renewal of the loan period is permitted if request is made in advance of the due date.