What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service offered to Full Privilege Library Card Holders by the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library. We borrow books or journal/magazine articles from other libraries that you need but that we do not own. Please treat your Interlibrary Loan books with care and return them on time -- if books are returned damaged or late, the lending library might not be willing to lend us more books in the future.

How do I make a request?

  • First, please check the Flagstaff Public Library’s Online Catalog to see if we own the book. 
  • If the book is less than six months old, it is too new to request through Interlibrary Loan -- please fill out our Purchase Request Form. 
  • If neither of the above is true, place an Interlibrary Loan request. You will need to create a separate Interlibrary Loan account -- Interlibrary Loan runs through the ILLiad software, not your regular library account.

How can I find books to request through Interlibrary Loan?

Need help finding a book or citation? WorldCat can help -- all U.S. libraries that participate in Interlibrary Loan list their holdings here (although not every book you see in WorldCat will be available through Interlibrary Loan).

How many items can I request?

You can have 6 active requests at one time. This includes pending requests.

How long does it take to receive a request?

It can take two to three weeks to recieve materials. We process your requests as quickly as possible, but we borrow from libraries all over the United States.

Why am I being asked to pay a fee for my Interlibrary Loan?

  • While the Flagstaff Public Library does not charge fines for overdue books, the libraries from which we borrow Interlibrary Loan books may charge for overdue books. Please be sure to return your books on time and in good condition to avoid fees!
  • We try to request as many Interlibrary Loan books as we can from libraries that don't charge for Interlibrary Loans. Sometimes, the only option for getting an Interlibrary Loan book will be to borrow it from a library that charges -- we'll ask you in advance if you're willing to pay the charges to get the book, and will only agree to borrow the book if you're willing to pay.

Can I request CDs, DVDs, or eBooks?

No.

How will I be notified when my material arrives?

If you have an email address listed in your Interlibrary Loan account, you will receive an email (please add LibraryILL@flagstaffpubliclibrary.org to your address book to keep our emails out of your spam folder!). Otherwise, you will receive a phone call.

How long can I keep an Interlibrary Loan item?

The library that lends us the item gets to decide on the due date -- loan periods vary from two weeks to twelve weeks.

Where do I return Interlibrary Loan Materials?

You may return your materials to either the Downtown Library or the East Flagstaff Community Library.

Can I renew an Interlibrary Loan request?

You may request a renewal, but renewals are NOT guaranteed -- renewals are at the discretion of the lending library. Please contact the Interlibrary Loan Specialist at (928) 213-2379 or LibraryILL@flagstaffpubliclibrary.org to request a renewal.

Please do not contact the lending library directly -- the ILLiad system will not allow them to initiate the renewal request. This will cause confusion between libraries, and you will be barred from making renewal requests in the future.