One of our most asked questions is "What is an ILLO" or "What does Interlibrary Loan mean " . The answer in short is that many libraries will loan books and other materials. So, if something is not in the catalogue of the Niagara Falls Public Library do not despair, it may be possible to borrow it from elsewhere. Be aware that the ILLO process can be a lengthy one so do not request materials that are required urgently.

The ILLO department can be of great assistance to researchers. Staff can request books, microfilm, periodical articles, etc. from other institutions. It is essential to remember that the Library can borrow only what other institutions will lend.

Most public libraries will loan to other public libraries free of charge. Nearly all University Libraries charge a fee. The fee can range from $5 to over $20.

The library will attempt to obtain requests from non-charging locations but this is not always possible. ILLO Department staff will contact you to confirm your willingness to pay, if you are not willing to accept charges the request will be canceled. If you do authorize us to proceed and no longer need the material when it arrives you will still be liable for any costs that Niagara Falls Public Library has incurred.

A number of libraries will loan material for in-house research only and we must comply with any restrictions that an owning library places on us.

The loan period for Interlibrary Loan material is usually 4 weeks (subject to any restrictions placed by the owning library). Renewal of ILLO books may be granted for a 7 day period. There are no renewals allowed on Microfilm materials and books belonging to University Libraries. Fines are 50 cents per day.

Archives

Both the Ontario Archives  and Library & Archives Canada  participate in the ILLO system.

The Ontario Archives catalogue of materials available for ILLO can be viewed at:

http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/english/interloan/index.html