Did you know that the Sparta Public Library offers an interlibrary loan service to all of it’s registered card holders? Any non-probationary patron may request items using this service, new patrons must wait until they exit the probationary period to request items through interlibrary loan. The interlibrary loan service is available to both Resident and Non-Resident library users, however; Reciprocal users must return to their home libraries to receive interlibrary loan service.
What is interlibrary loan? It is the ability to request books through your local library, from another library. The interlibrary loan service is available through either the local Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), or the nationwide OCLC system. There are thousands of books, audio-books, CDs, DVDs and much more available through the libraries’ interlibrary loan service. This service is offered to all of our patrons free of charge. Just ask a librarian, we will be happy to help get you started. Items can be requested either through our online Card Catalog, or by coming in to request an item in person. Requests through the OCLC system must be done in person.
The library staff will make every attempt to obtain materials thru the Illinois Heartland Library System’s SHARE automation system, if the item cannot be found there then the staff may attempt to place a request using the nationwide OCLC system, however; there is no guarantee that we will be able to find the item that you are looking for.
The Sparta Public Library is committed to participating in interlibrary loan, both as a lender and borrower. Interlibrary loan does not relieve a local library of the responsibility to develop its own collections, but rather serves as a means of overcoming the information limits inherent in a given collection. Due dates may be set by the lending library. Materials are the responsibility of the patron until the item is return in proper condition to the Sparta Public Library. Patrons will be charged for lost or damaged items. These fees will be set by the lending library.