Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a way for libraries to borrow materials they do not own from other libraries within NEKLS, from across the state, and outside of Kansas. Libraries of all types and sizes use interlibrary loan to fill the needs of their patrons.

NExpress

For member libraries that are part of the NExpress shared catalog, all requests from NExpress libraries are considered to be ILL requests. Visit the NExpress project website to learn more about this system, as well as see the participating library list.

KICNET ILL (in Kansas)

All NEKLS libraries are encouraged to directly request materials from other Kansas libraries through the Kansas ILLNetwork (KICNET), using the online Kansas Library Catalog (uses the Agent software). Any member library that needs more information or training on the use of KICNET can contact Heather Braum through email (hbraum (at) nekls.org) or by calling the NEKLS office. Any library that is not a KICNET particiapant may send ILL loan requests to the NEKLS office for referral to other Kansas Libraries.

OCLC ILL (outside Kansas)

When materials cannot be obtained through these statewide ILL channels, requests can be requested via the OCLC national and international ILL system. If your library does not directly use the OCLC ILL service may submit requests to the NEKLS office. Requests can be forwarded via courier, phone, fax, or e-mail. Libraries should include as much information about the item as possible–title, author, ISBN number, and publication date for books, and a complete citation for copies requested from periodicals.

It is important to remember that lending libraries set their own lending policies and therefore may choose not to lend certain materials such as videos, popular new titles, or special collections. Libraries should be prepared to pay for fees that some libraries in other states may charge for interlibrary loans. Contact Teri Nelson (tnelson (at) nekls.org) with your requests or questions about this service.

Sending and Receiving ILL Materials

ILL materials can be sent & received by mail and/or by using the Kansas Library Express (KLE) Courier Service. If your library is not a KLE member, please visit the KLE website for more information or contact Carolyn Little at the NEKLS office (clittle (at) nekls.org). If using the mail system for returning/sending materials, libraries are responsible for return post; most materials are mailed library rate and include a return label. Libraries should follow special instructions that may accompany loaned items (e.g., please insure, no jiffy bags, etc.)

Lost or Damaged Materials and Replacement Costs

If a patron loses a book, the library should call the lending library for replacement costs or other charges. If payment cannot be collected from the patron, the borrowing library will need to reimburse the lending library. The Kansas Library Network Board maintains a Materials Replacement Fund that can help with reimbursements to Kansas libraries (but not for items borrowed from out-of-state.)

Periodical Requests and Copyright

All libraries must comply with copyright laws and guidelines when requesting photocopies from periodicals, and must maintain records of such requests for 3 years. Among the rules applicable to libraries is the “rule of 5″ which states that during a calendar year, a library may borrow 5 articles from a periodical title newer than 5 years old. Any copy requested becomes the property of the patron who requested it and may not be retained by the library for future use. (For more information on copyright, see this guide created by the library staff at the University of Texas.)