Requesting items
You may request books, photocopies of magazine articles, microfilm, videos, DVDs, cassette tapes, and compact discs. Audiovisual items may be difficult to obtain, especially newly released or published material and popular music, films, and t.v. programs.
You may request up to five items per day.
You are limited to 10 active requests. This includes items being searched for or obtained through MnLINK and WorldCat(OCLC), whether they are checked out or in process. An ILL item returned to a Hennepin County Library will remain on your MnLINK record until it is returned and checked in at the original library it was borrowed from.
Posters, art prints, maps, computer software and 16 mm films are not available through ILL.
Lending libraries retain the right to decline to lend any item at any time. The fact that a particular item has been obtained through ILL in the past does not ensure it will be available again. Libraries may limit the number of times they will send an item.
Picking up items
Most requests are filled in two to three weeks. It may take much longer for certain items. Some titles may be unavailable. If you have an immediate deadline, please discuss other options with a librarian. The Interlibrary Loan Department does not provide rush service.
Staff will notify you by e-mail or phone when your item is ready to check out. Staff will contact you if additional information is needed. You may also check the status of your MNLink request by signing into MNLink and clicking on MY Requests in the left-hand menu, choosing the details, and clicking Search. Be sure to check the box labeled "Show all Requests" to display all of your requests.
Your ability to check out library items, including ILL items, will be limited if you have a fine balance of $10 or more.
Canceling a request
Please contact ILL staff and provide the ILL number for the item (Find the number by signing into MNLink and clicking MY Requests on the left-hand menu).
Loan period
The loan period is three weeks. ILL items are sometimes renewable. Please contact ILL staff for information.
A request for a magazine article is usually filled with a photocopy or scan of the article, which may be mailed or emailed to you. You may keep these photocopies.
National searches
Please use MNLink for all ILL requests, even if you know the item is not locally available. Use the "Special Instructions" box to request a national search. Use the "create request" form on MNLInk for items you cannot find in MNLink and indicate if you want to request a national search. Staff cannot request materials from sources outside North America.
Suggest a Purchase
To suggest items for purchase by Hennepin County Library, please use the Suggest a Purchase form.
