Interlibrary Loan Information Page
Request Forms
Let the Library locate the item for you.
Are you trying to locate an item, but it's not in the Library Catalog? We can help you borrow it through the interlibrary loan system. Submit one form per requested item to the Library checkout desk. All forms are in Adobe Acrobat format.
- Is it a book? If you know at least the title and author of the book, please complete the Book Request Form.
- Is it audiovisual material? Use the Audiovisual Request Form to request talking books, movies or musical recordings.
- Is it an article from a periodical or serial publication? The Periodical Request Form will enable staff to locate the specific article for you.
- Are you researching a subject? Interlibrary loan staff can research and request publications such as books, movies and talking books about your specific subject. Complete the Subject Request Form with as many details as possible to ensure a timely response.
Search On Your Own
Some patrons enjoy browsing the online catalogs, looking for items by specific authors, performers or a favorite subject. Following these steps will increase the likelihood of obtaining the items you desire to borrow.
- Search Horizon first. Items owned by the Dodgeville Public Library or other libraries in the Southwest Library System can be requested directly through the Library Catalog (called Horizon) by selecting "Request Item" and entering the patron's 14-digit library card number. Follow the screen directions to request the item, making sure you select the Dodgeville Public Library for your pickup location. For more information about using the Library Catalog, click here.
- Search WISCAT second. The WISCAT library catalog is a statewide library database. Click on the "Begin" button and the catalog will open to the advanced search window. Selecting the "Help" button on the upper right corner of the window will provide information about searching. Print the first page of the WISCAT record for the item. Write your name, telephone number and library card number on the top of the page before submitting it to the Library. Or, you can print and complete an item request form from the above links.
- Search WorldCat third. WorldCat is a worldwide catalog of library content. Print the first page of the item record found on WorldCat. Write your name, telephone number and library card number on the top of the page before submitting it to the Library. Or, you can print and complete an item request form from the above links.
- Still can't locate the item? The last resort is to print a record of the item from any web site or vendor where you've seen it. Providing the url (the web site address) will enable staff to research the item more extensively. Write your name, telephone number and library card number on the top of the page before submitting it to the Library.
Tips for Interlibrary Loan Requests
As you search the online catalogs and find a title that you want to request, there are a few points that you will want to consider:
- When was the item published? New items at the Dodgeville Public Library can be requested by Dodgeville patrons only. New items at other libraries are available only for their patrons. After about 6 months the items become available for interlibrary loan. Outside of our system, items that are too new or too popular cannot be requested.
- Are you requesting a movie or popular music? Movies or music held by our system are easily borrowed. Requesting these items through WISCAT is more limited. Music and movie requests outside of our system can take up to 3 months.
- What is the format of the audiovisual item? Not all discs are created equal! There are 10-1/2 inch vinyl record discs, 4-3/4 inch sound discs (CD) and MP3 CDs. Videorecordings are available in cassette or disc form. Talking books are abridged and unabridged. Be specific about the format you need.
- What if the list of ILL lenders on the WISCAT record is very short? More lenders holding an item increases the possibility of receiving the item. In WISCAT, some ILL lender libraries have a checkmarked box after the "ILL lender" notation. Clicking the box allows the borrower to see the status of the item.
- There is more than one record for the item I want to find in WISCAT. Once again, check the format of the item you're searching. Choosing the record that has the most lenders increases your chances of receiving the item.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the Library do with the completed forms or printouts I provide? When you submit a request form or internet printout, the staff first searches Horizon. Sometimes we find the item is already in our database. If the item is not in Horizon, the paperwork is passed to the Library Assistant, who searches WISCAT and WorldCat for the item. If it is still not located, the Library Assistant forwards it to the SWLS interlibrary loan clearinghouse.
- How long does it take to get an item on ILL? There are many factors that influence the time it takes to receive an interlibrary loan item. Popular materials may have a waiting list. If the item is coming from within the state, it will arrive quicker than an item from out of state. Items from within our Southwest Library System will arrive the fastest.
- Can I call the other library and request an item over the telephone? Lending libraries use a computer database to manage their interlibrary loans. The lending libraries follow guidelines for shipment, loan length, regional clearinghouses and many other factors. Bypassing the system by contacting a lending library directly slows down the process and is not allowed. Please contact your home library with any questions regarding your interlibrary loan request.
- Why can't I log into WISCAT and requests books on my own? If you are interested in having a WISCAT account, talk with the Library Assistant. The Library allows limited patron-initiated requests on WISCAT.
- Can I request a specific book from a specific library in Horizon? Horizon is programmed to allow patrons to request an item, but not to select the specific library. However, if you are searching Horizon and find your title is available to borrow at the Dodgeville Public Library, feel free to call us at 935-3728. We will be happy to hold the item for you at the checkout desk for one day.
- How long will my request stay active? Most interlibrary loan requests remain active for 3 months.
- How often does the Library pull interlibrary loan requests or holds? We print the list of requests twice daily, in the morning and late afternoon. Interlibrary loan items are sorted into delivery bins. Hold items are labeled and the patrons are called immediately for pickup.
- What if I can't get there today to pick up my item? Interlibrary loan items and holds are kept for one week from the date they are received or pulled. At the end of that week, the item is returned to its owner library.
- My telephone number changed and the Library couldn't call me. The Library makes every effort to contact patrons using email, postal service and telephone. Be sure to inform the Library if your contact information changes.
- When do Dodgeville's ILL deliveries arrive? The SWLS delivery van comes on Monday and Thursday mornings. Weather and holiday closings affect the delivery schedule.
- Why is there a white or yellow label taped to the front of my book? White labels are used for interlibrary loan items from outside the SWLS system. Yellow labels indicate an item is borrowed from within the SWLS system. Leaving the label attached to the item helps Library staff process them quicker. If the label comes off, please put it inside the item.
- Can I return the items I borrowed at Dodgeville on interlibrary loan to another library? The best way to make certain that your interlibrary loan item is returned on time is to bring it back to the Dodgeville Public Library where the loan originated.
- Can I renew an interlibrary loan item with a yellow label? Items borrowed within the SWLS system can be renewed online through Horizon, or by calling the Library. Be sure to write the new due date on your yellow label.
- Can I renew an interlibrary loan item with a white label? The Library can request renewal of these WISCAT items, but lending libraries rarely grant a renewal. It is important to request renewal at least 5 days before the item is due. Renewals are never granted on overdue items.
- I borrowed an item on ILL and now it is two days overdue. There is no grace period for interlibrary loan items. The overdue fee for print materials is 25 cents per day and audiovisual is one dollar per day.