Interlibrary Loan (ILL) | Atlantic County Library System

Save My Library The Atlantic County Library System is part of a cooperative lending program called Interlibrary Loan, or "I-L-L" for short. The program allows our patrons access to millions of items nationwide not already owned by our System.

How to make an ILL Request:

Try Us First

The Atlantic County Library System might already own the item you want. Search our catalog.

Search JerseyCat

After looking for the item in our catalog, try JerseyCat, a statewide virtual catalog and inter-library lending consortium. Place your request for the item via the JerseyCat "Request this item" button found on the results page. Our ILL staff will check on the progress and notify you if/when it is available. NOTE: JerseyCat recommends using Chrome browser for best results.

Request Interlibrary Loan Materials

If you still can't find the item in our catalog or in JerseyCat, then you can fill out one of the Interlibrary Loan Request forms below. If the request falls within the guidelines (see ILL FAQs on types of materials that can be requested), we will either borrow it from another library or purchase the item. We will notify you either when the item arrives or if we are unable to fill your request.

*Please enter all the information you have about the item.

We ask that the ILL item ordered be picked up when it arrives and returned when due.
NOTE: A $6.00 "No pick-up" fee will charged to patron if an item request is filled but not checked out and ILL items can not be renewed.

For further assistance with ILLs, you can contact our Interlibrary Loan Office at 609-625-2776, Ext. 6310 or visit one of our local branches.

ILL FAQs

What types of materials can I request?

You can request books, sound recordings, music, audiovisual materials, and photocopies of articles.

Please be aware that many libraries will not loan recently published or high-demand items, textbooks, rare or fragile materials, and electronic resources.

Use the follow guidelines when requesting:

Books - 6 months from date of publication.
Audiobooks – 1 year from date of publication.
Music CDs and DVDs – 1 year from release date of the CD or DVD.
Electronic format items (eBooks, eAudiobooks, software & games) cannot be borrowed.

How long does it take to get something through ILL?

Usually, it takes from 2 weeks up to 2 months to get an item requested through ILL depending upon where the item is coming from.

Many libraries do not make audiovisual materials, such as DVDs, and audiotapes available through Interlibrary Loan. Therefore, these items, as well as items from out of state, might take longer to arrive.

How many ILLs can I have checked out?

You can have up to 6 at a time - which includes items you are requesting, items currently checked out to you, and items in the process of being returned to the library that owns them.

What if I can't pick up my ILL or need to change the pick-up date?

The exact arrival date of ILL items cannot be predicted. Due to the borrowing nature of ILL items, available ILL holds cannot be suspended nor the last day for pick-up be changed.

When placing an ILL request, consider your ability to pick up the item when it becomes available. A $6.00 "No pick-up" fee will be charged to the patron if an item request is filled but not checked out.

Is there a fee?

A $6.00 "No pick-up" fee will be charged to the patron if an item request is filled but not checked out.
ILL requests are generally free to fill. Occasionally however, the item may only be available from a library that does charge a loan fee. If you are willing to pay for this fee, please indicate the maximum amount when you make your request.

How long can I keep the materials?

Loan periods are set by the lending library and may vary. Items on interlibrary loan can not be renewed.

Where do I return ILL materials?

ILL materials may be returned inside to the circulation desk at any Atlantic County Library System branch. Do not use the outdoor book drops to return your ILL items.

What if I lose or damage my ILL item?

If you should lose or damage your ILL item, you are responsible for the replacement fee assessed by the lending library plus a $2.00 processing fee. The Inter-library Loan Office will contact the lending library, receive a bill and inform you of the charges. Failure to pay these charges will result in your being unable to continue to use your library card until the obligation is satisfied.

How do I request photocopies?

Use this form to request an article from a magazine, pages from a book, microfilm or microfiche not available in the Atlantic County Library System.

On the form, please be as complete as possible. Complete information speeds up processing.
Requests for photocopies in excess of 50 pages can not be honored. Please limit requests from individual magazines or journals to five requests per magazine or journal title.

How do I suggest a purchase?

Use our Suggest a Purchase form to suggest a book, CD, DVD, or any other material for purchase. Your suggestions will be carefully considered.

How to make an ILL Request:

Try Us First

Search JerseyCat

Request Interlibrary Loan Materials

ILL FAQs

Search this Site