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Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Learn how to request articles and books that Central Penn does not own

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is the term used for the sharing of library resources (books, articles, DVDs, etc.) between libraries, for the benefit of their individual users (patrons).

Somewhat early in the history of libraries, librarians realized that they could not possibly purchase all of the resources all of their patrons would like to use.  They also realized that other libraries were likely in the same position, so they started requesting to borrow other libraries' materials in exchange for lending their own items.

Today, most libraries belong to at least one network comprised of many libraries which have agreed to share their resources with each other.  Central Penn belongs to Access PA, so in exchange for lending our materials to other libraries, we can borrow materials from most of the other libraries in the state--that includes Penn State and Temple University's libraries, among others.

Interlibrary loan requests may only be made by students, faculty, and staff of Central Penn College. If you are not affiliated with Central Penn College, please contact your local public library.

Book and Article Request Form


Interlibrary loan items are subject to copyright law.  We are required to post the following Warning of Copyright statement in the library and on all ILL request forms. The library reserves the right to deny requests if we believe fulfilling the request would violate copyright law.

NOTICE: WARNING OF COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.

Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of 'fair use', that user may be liable for copyright infringement. Copyright.gov/title17