What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a cooperative agreement between libraries to lend and borrow materials from their collections. This system is used to supply a variety of resources that are not available at the Canton Public Library. Our patrons have access to two methods of requesting interloans. One is the Michigan eLibrary catalog (MeLCat), where patrons may place their own requests. The second is to have the request done by the ILL department for materials not available through MeLCat.
Who can use ILL?
The Canton Public Library provides this free service to patrons who live, work, go to school, or pay taxes in Canton.
What type of materials can be borrowed?
- Titles not in our collection
- Photocopies of articles
Difficult to Obtain via Interlibrary Loan
Not Available through Interlibrary Loan
- Items not listed in Worldcat
- Items listed in Worldcat with no U.S. holdings
How long does it take to receive an ILL item?
It depends on the source. Items requested through MeLCat should arrive within 1-2 weeks. The length of time for ILLs requested through other methods varies and can be from 2-4 weeks, or in some cases longer. The time frame for all ILLs depends on availability, shipping, and distance from the lending library.
How do I request material from ILL?
You may request ILL materials by doing the following:
- Place the request yourself using MeLCat
- Contact the Reference Desk by calling (734) 397-0999
How will I be contacted when my material arrives?
Patrons will be notified by the Canton Public Library notification system through email, phone call, or printed notice, depending on what information is in your patron record. The status of items requested through
MeLCat can be viewed on
My Account.
Where do I pick up my material up and how long will it be held?
ILL materials are picked up at the Checkout Desk and are held approximately one week. The item must be checked out on the account of the person who requested it.
How long will I have the ILL?
Books obtained through
MeLCat go out for three weeks and A/V items for one week. Due dates for materials that come from other sources will vary as the loan period is set by the lending library.
Can I renew my ILL books?
- Books borrowed through MeLCat can be renewed by the patron using My Account or by calling the Checkout Desk. Renewals are one time only and for three weeks. Renewals may be denied if the lending library has a hold for the item, so be sure to check the status after clicking Renew when using My Account. There is no renewal for MeLCat A/V items
- For ILLs not through MeLCat, several days before your due date send email to ill@cantonpl.org or call (734) 397-0999 and ask for Checkout or ILL. Indicate you would like to renew an ILL item giving your name, patron barcode, the title and author. You will be given a tentative two week renewal. You will be contacted if the due date given by the lending library is different or denied
Whom should I contact if I have a problem or a question?
You may call the Canton Public Library at 734-397-0999 and ask for the Interlibrary Loan Department or send email to
ill@cantonpl.org
How much does it cost?
This is a free service provided to anyone who qualifies for a Canton Public Library card (lives, works, goes to school, or pays taxes in Canton). Charges will be incurred for lost or damaged materials. Overdue fines are $.20 per day.
Where do I return the materials when I am finished?
All items must be returned to the Canton Public Library with ILL bands/labels and any due date cards intact to guarantee proper check in and return to the lending library. Photocopies of articles are yours to keep unless otherwise noted.
