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                    Interlibrary Loans

                    image of a book with an interlibrary loan jacket attached to it
                    If items are not held by City of Melbourne Libraries, we are often able to obtain them from other libraries on your behalf through Interlibrary Loans.

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                    Interlibrary Loans are suspended

                    Interlibrary Loans are currently unavailable and will resume on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

                    This is due to operational requirements. We apologise for any inconvenience.


                    If items are not held by City of Melbourne Libraries, we are often able to obtain them from other libraries for you.

                    First, please search our catalogue to make sure we do not already have the item.

                    You can request books, talking books and journal articles. You cannot request DVDs, CDs or games.

                    You may have two Interlibrary Loans in process at any one time.

                    There is no charge for interlibrary loans obtained from public libraries in Victoria. However, for items which come from academic libraries there is a charge of $30.30 which will be passed on to you. Some interstate public libraries also charge $30.30.

                    Interlibrary loans are for either three or six weeks, depending on the loan period granted by the supplying library.

                    Renewals are not available.

                    LibraryLink2

                    City of Melbourne Libraries uses LibraryLink Victoria to provide interlibrary loans. 

                    Using Libr​​aryLink2 is easy: 

                    • User ID is your City of Melbourne Libraries barcode number.
                    • Password is the one you set up with us.
                    • Choose City of Melbourne Libraries from the drop down menu.
                    • Search for the item you want. Select ‘Get it’ (at the top right).
                    • If you are willing to pay $30.30 enter it into the ‘Amount willing to pay’ field (Leave this field blank if you are not willing to pay)
                    • Select your desired pick-up location from the drop down menu.
                    • Select the 'Request' button.


                    For more information on how to use LibraryLink2 see our LLV2 guide - PDF​​ 781KB, Word 592KB.

                    For more information see our Interlibrary Loan Policy below.

                    Interlibrary loan enquiries can be also be made to ill@melbourne.vic.gov.au or phone 9658 8306.

                    Interlibrary Loan Policy

                    Interlibrary loans have special requirements. To be provided with an interlibrary loan you must agree to the policy:

                    ​Interlibrary loans – frequently asked questions

                    What can I request on interlibrary loan?

                    You can request books, talking books, large print books, magazines and journal articles. You cannot request DVDs, CDs or games.

                    To request a journal article, you need to search for the title of the journal, and then fill in the request form with the title of the article, the page numbers, the year it was published, the number and volume.

                    How many interlibrary loans can I request?

                    You may have two Interlibrary Loans in process at any one time. 'In process' includes items on loan to you.

                    How long does it take for an interlibrary loan to arrive?

                    It is difficult to estimate how long it takes for an interlibrary loan to arrive. Depending on availability it may take several weeks but most come in about two weeks. 

                    You can monitor the progress of your interlibrary loan request via your LibraryLink account. 

                    • Pending – your request is being considered by a potential supplying library.
                    • Shipped – the item has been sent by a supplying library.
                    • Received – the item has arrived at City of Melbourne Libraries.
                    • Completed: Returned – the item has been returned by City of Melbourne Libraries to the supplying library.
                    • Completed: Pending – potential supplying libraries were identified but were unable to fulfil the request.  A message will appear in your LibraryLink account. 
                    • Completed: New – no supplying library has been found.

                    How long can I have my interlibrary loan?

                    Interlibrary loans are for either three or six weeks, depending on the supplying library. Renewals are not available.

                    What happens if I request an item held by City of Melbourne Libraries?

                    The item will be reserved for you without the need for an interlibrary loan.

                    What are my responsibilities?

                    • All items are accompanied with a book strap. These straps allow you to borrow the item from City of Melbourne Libraries. If you misplace the strap please alert library staff.
                    • Interlibrary loans must be borrowed at the counter. You cannot use the self-checkout machine. 
                    • Interlibrary loans are for either three or six weeks depending on the loan period granted by the supplying library. Renewals are not available.
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