Interlibrary Loan Service

What is interlibrary loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows Cedar Mill and Bethany patrons to obtain materials not available through Washington County libraries. We borrow from libraries all over the United States. We reciprocate by lending our materials to libraries outside of the Washington County Library System.

How do I request an item?

Use OCLC WorldCAT : To request a title from WorldCAT, select the title, then select “Borrow this item from another library” or click the ILL button toward the top of the page.

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Use the CMCL Interlibrary Loan Request online form

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Talk to the reference librarians at the library or on the phone at (503) 644-0043 ext 621.

How soon will my interlibrary loan item arrive?

ILLs generally take 2 to 6 weeks to arrive. However they may arrive sooner or later. There is no definite answer to this question. If the material you need is time sensitive, it is best to order as far in advance as possible.

How can I check on the status of my interlibrary loan request?

• Check your account online. A request with the status "Received" is available for pickup.
• Email us at CML-ILL@wccls.org if you have a question regarding an active request.
• Call the ILL office at 503 644-0043 ext 133

Please remember that items generally take at least 2 to 6 weeks to arrive.

Will I have to pay for interlibrary loan service?

There is no charge for most ILL requests. If a lending library charges fees to borrow their materials, we would proceed only with your pre-approval of the cost.

What can I borrow through interlibrary loan?

It is possible to borrow many kinds of materials. The kinds of material you can borrow include books, videos, DVDs, CDs, microfilm, musical scores, and newspaper or journal articles.

How long can I check out an interlibrary loan?

The loan period is determined by lending library. Typical due dates range from one week to two months. Most materials can be renewed, unless the lending library stipulates no renewals. (See the next section for information on how to renew your ILL.)

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.

How do I renew my interlibrary loan?

Please request a renewal 3 days before your due date.
You can renew your ILL multiple ways:

• Call the ILL Office: 503 644-0043 ext 133
• Call the Adult Services Desk: 503 644-0043 ext 621
• Go to the Adult Service Desk in the library.
• Email the ILL Office at CML-ILL@wccls.org
• Online using our ILL Renewal Form.

Are there any restrictions on interlibrary loans?

There is a county wide limit of 5 active ILL requests. Requests in both active and inactive status count toward this limit.

Your account must be in good standing to request an item by ILL (fines under $10, no long overdue items.)

How do I cancel an interlibrary loan request?

If it has been more than a couple days since you made your request, there is a good chance the item is already being filled by a lending library. For this reason, we ask that you be sure you want the requested item and can allow 2 to 6 weeks for its arrival.

If you must cancel a request, please contact the ILL office by phone or email: 503 644-0043 or CML-ILL@wccls.org. We have a greater chance of stopping the progress of the request the sooner you contact us.

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