The term "interlibrary loan" encompasses both borrowing and lending, both the sending of materials and the providing of reproductions. The purpose of interlibrary loan is to borrow or obtain copies of library materials not found in the San Diego Public Library system on behalf of the Library's patrons, and to lend or provide copies of library materials requested by other libraries.

Why is interlibrary loan done?

The basic premise for interlibrary loan is that no library can be completely self-sufficient in meeting the needs of its patrons. Interlibrary loan is essential to the vitality of libraries of all types and sizes. It is an important element in the provision of library service.

What can be borrowed?

Materials that may be borrowed include specific items that are not in the San Diego Public Library collection. Most libraries will not lend recent publications in heavy demand, reference material, or particularly valuable or fragile material. Limitations, in general, are those of the American Library Association Interlibrary Loan Code.

Procedures and fees

Any adult registered borrower with a valid San Diego Public Library card can arrange an interlibrary loan. Click here for information on how to get a library card. All requests must be made in person at the History Desk of the Central Library or at any branch library. Requests taken at branch libraries are forwarded to the Interlibrary Loan staff at the Central Library. A nonrefundable $5.00 fee is charged for each interlibrary loan request. This fee is collected when the request is placed. Lending libraries frequently charge a handling fee (usually $10.00 to $20.00) and these charges are passed along to the requestor. If there is a limit on the amount a patron is willing to pay for handling fees, this amount must be noted on the interlibrary loan request card. If a request in progress is canceled, fees may still be charged.

Ordering material

Books: The full title and the full name of the author are needed. A publisher and date are extremely helpful!

Periodicals: The name of the periodical, exact issue date, title and page number of the article are needed. Libraries generally do not lend full magazine issues.

Restrictions: Books must be at least nine months old. The requestor must have a valid San Diego Public Library card. A maximum of four requests per week per requestor may be submitted.

Picking-up materials

The material will be held at the Central Library’s Circulation Desk for pick-up unless the requestor has specified a branch where the items should be sent. Microfilm is picked at the Central Library's History Desk.

Returning the material

Materials must be returned, in person, to a Library staff member at the History Desk of the Central Library or at the Circulation Desk in a branch library. Materials should not be put in the book drop or left at a counter; they must be handed to a staff member.

For further information

Additional information is available from the Interlibrary Loan staff at 619-236-5823.