Interlibrary Loan from Abroad – Key Considerations for Public Libraries
✅ What a librarian can typically do directly
- Investigate whether the requested material exists and where it is held.
- Contact foreign libraries to inquire about access, reproduction services, and interlibrary loan options.
- Inform the patron about potential costs and delivery formats.
- Coordinate with regional or national library networks if needed.
⚠️ What may require internal approval
- Initiating an international interlibrary loan request, especially if it involves costs or unfamiliar procedures.
- Using channels outside the library’s standard systems (e.g., IFLA, KB, or direct contact with foreign institutions).
- Handling materials that require special licensing, authentication, or copyright clearance.
👩💼 Who typically grants approval
- The library director or administrative coordinator.
- In some cases, consultation with the regional library or the National Library of Sweden (Kungliga biblioteket) may be necessary.
📚 Step-by-Step: How to initiate an international interlibrary loan
- Confirm bibliographic details: Title, edition, publication date, format (e.g., microfilm, print, digital), and identifiers (e.g., ISSN, ZDB-ID).
- Identify holding libraries: Use tools such as LIBRIS (Sweden), KVK and ZDB (Germany), WorldCat (global), IFLA or national interlibrary loan centers.
- Contact the lending library: Ask about availability, reproduction services, cost, delivery format, and access options.
- Inform the patron and confirm payment: Share estimated costs and delivery method, and get approval before ordering.
- Place the order and follow up: Send the request, arrange payment if needed, and notify the patron when the material arrives.
💡 What the patron can do to help
- Provide complete bibliographic information.
- Identify which edition and date they need.
- Offer to cover any costs.
- Suggest preferred delivery method (e.g., via library bus).
- Be flexible regarding format and timeline.