Interlibrary loans

For items not in our collection, we will try to obtain the material from another library for you. This service connects users to books from throughout Ontario and Canada.

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Any borrowed book or item that comes from another library outside of the Perth & District Union Public Library system is considered an interlibrary loan.

How do I request an Interlibrary Loan?
Patrons can request their own interlibrary loans. You can use patron access interlibrary loan through INFO Ontario to place your request yourself from the library, work, school, home … anywhere, anytime at your convenience.

Before placing a request, please check the following:
Do we already own it? If the library already owns the item, we will not request it on interlibrary loan.
Is the item older than 12 months? Most libraries will not lend their new items to us, and will decline those requests. Please consider a suggestion for purchase instead.

Requests are limited to 3 requests per patron per month, so choose carefully. If you are unable to place your own requests library staff can assist you.

To register for patron access, provide your full name, home phone number, email and library card number in an email to info@perthunionlibrary.ca or by phone at 613-267-1224, or visit us at the library.

For instructions on how to place your own request, watch this YouTube video provided by the Southern Ontario Library Service.

Book club members: We encourage you to use our book club sets instead of interlibrary loans. Please be aware that the library will no longer directly manage interlibrary loan book club requests. You can submit your own individual requests but we cannot guarantee your book will arrive for a specific date.

How long will it take for my request to arrive?
This varies depending on the availability of the item. Many requests are filled in as little as two weeks but harder to find items could take up to six weeks or longer.

What if I don’t find what I am looking for?
Contact us at info@perthunionlibrary.ca. You will be contacted if additional information is needed regarding your request.

How can I monitor the progress of my requests?
You can view the status of your request by looking at “My Requests” on the side-bar of the page to know when it has been processed, shipped and received. You can also observe if the interlibrary loan request has been cancelled because we own the item or the policies of the lending library prohibit loan. If there is any problem with your request library staff will alert you. Please do not resubmit your request.

How will I be notified that my material is available?
Once the item has been received at the library, library staff will inform you by telephone or e-mail. Prompt pick-up ensures that you will have the maximum borrowing time.

How do I cancel a request or renew a borrowed item due date?
You cannot cancel an interlibrary loan request or renew a due date online. Renewing a book is subject to approval by the lending library. Please contact us at 613-267-1224 or info@perthunionlibrary.ca.