Searching Tips
The broader your search, the more results you’ll find. Try searching by just the title or author. Within a specific record, look for other editions by clicking "More Like This: Search for versions with same title and author".
If the title is owned by Washington County, a blue bar will be highlighted next to “Libraries worldwide that own item.” Link to the WCCLS catalog to place a hold.
Occasionally, WorldCat will indicate that we own an item which does not appear in the WCCLS catalog. If this is the case, you can still order through WorldCat; just add this information to the Notes field of the request.
When you find an item you want, click “Libraries worldwide that own item” to see the available lenders. The more U.S. libraries in the list, the sooner you will typically receive your item. If there are fewer than ten lenders (or the item is expensive), you can increase your chances by indicating your willingness to pay fees. Not every library will loan all types of material.
More Information...
How Many ILL Items Can I Order?
There is a countywide limit of 5 “Active” ILL requests per patron.
- Patrons must monitor their account for the status and number of their own requests.
- Library staff will not notify patron if they have exceeded the maximum limit.
- Library staff will not notify patron if a request has been cancelled.
- Requests made for items published within the last two months will not be ordered. They should be submitted as a Purchase Suggestion instead.
The library will not retain requests above and beyond the 5 “Active” limit. Requests can take up to one week to appear on your account, so please check for Active requests and keep a count of submitted requests before ordering.
How Can I Check on the Status of My Interlibrary Loan Request?
How Soon Will My ILL Item Arrive?
There is no definite answer to this question. It may take up to a week for your request to display on your patron account. ILLs generally take about 2-3 weeks to arrive. Rare or popular items may take longer.
Will I Have to Pay for ILL Service?
Most of the lenders we borrow from are free lenders. A few lenders charge to loan or copy materials. We always check with free lenders first. There may be a charge for items that are more specific or harder to locate, especially if there are fewer than 10 lenders. You increase your chances of getting the item, if you indicate that you are willing to pay.
Note: If an interlibrary loan item becomes overdue by 1 week, your account will be charged the default price of $100.01 and a non-refundable $5 processing fee. If the item is returned, the default price will be waived, but the processing will not be waived. If the item is not returned, the actual replacement cost of the item will be charged. This is the same procedure as a regular Cedar Mill Library item that goes to lost.
What Can I Borrow Through Interlibrary Loan?
It is possible to borrow many kinds of materials. Books, videos, DVDs, CDs, microfilm, musical scores, newspaper and journal articles are examples of the kinds of materials we can borrow for you. One exception: we cannot borrow console video games (Wii, PlayStation, Xbox).
We typically will not receive items if there are fewer than 10 lenders, and almost never from outside the U.S. Please check the number of owning U.S. libraries. Please note: your library card must be in good standing in order for this request to be processed.
How Long Can I Check Out an Interlibrary Loan?
Most items can be checked out for three (3) weeks and can usually be renewed. Materials can often be renewed more than once. A lending library can ask for the immediate return of its material at any time or restrict use of the materials to inside the library.
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