Library FAQ

Q: What is Interlibrary Loan?

A: When libraries agree to loan materials to each other, this is called interlibrary loan. If a patron locates an item and it is not in our Library, then library staff can attempt to borrow it from another library.

Q: Who can use Interlibrary Loan?

A: Any faculty, staff or student member of the Ringling community can use the interlibrary loan service. Interlibrary loan is not available for alumni, family members or Ringling College Library Association members. Alumni, family members or Ringling College Library Association members may contact their local public library to see if there are interlibrary loan services available.

Q: What can be borrowed?

A: Most libraries lend only print materials, such as books or photocopied magazine articles. Books that are used for reference or are housed in a special or rare books collection will usually not be loaned. We can try to borrow DVDs and games, but the majority of libraries do not allow those materials to circulate to other libraries.

Q: How do I place a request?

A: Requests may be submitted online via our Interlibrary Loan Book and Article request forms. Please fill out as much detail as possible when submitting your request. More information allows us to find the correct item you are seeking. Your request will be processed as soon as possible and you will be notified by email.

Q: May I place requests in person?

A: No, but library staff can assist you in filling out an online Interlibrary Loan request during library hours. 

Q: What does it cost?

A: The Library absorbs the costs associated with borrowing materials, including fees charged for locating materials, photocopy or scanning charges, mailing charges, and borrowing fees assessed by the loaning institution; not to exceed $35.00 for any one item. The lending library will assess its own fines for overdue materials. 

Q: How long does it take to obtain items requested on Interlibrary Loan?

A: Please submit your request as soon as possible and plan at least one to two weeks in advance to account for the request and delivery. All requests, both borrowing and lending, are addressed within 3 working days of receipt. We can't guarantee that all libraries will work quickly to fulfill a request that we make.

Q: How long may I keep the items borrowed?

A: The library that loans the material specifies the due date. Usually, items may be borrowed for two weeks or more. Please return items by the due date. Photocopied or scanned articles do not have to be returned to the library. 

Q: How do I know when my requested item has arrived?

A: Patrons will be notified by email when requested materials have arrived or if there were problems with obtaining the materials.

Q: Where do I pick up and return the loaned items?

A: Interlibrary Loans should be picked up at the Circulation Desk. Materials that need to be returned should also be brought to the Circulation Desk.