What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

ILL is a service that helps you borrow items from the Palo Alto College Library and other ACCD College Libraries, (St. Philips College, San Antonio College, Northwest Vista College and Southwest Campus College), not owned by your High School Library.

Who may use ILL?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is available to Duel Credit/High School students enrolled at Palo Alto College (PAC) that do not have any overdue items on their record. The maximum number of pending requests is limited to five (5) at one time, not exceeding the student checkout limit of seven (7) items.

What may be requested through ILL and for how long?

Books, videos, and articles from magazines, journals, and newspapers. All books and videos have a loan period of two (2) weeks. All photocopies are free and yours to keep.

How long does ILL take?

Materials should arrive at your school library in 3 - 5 working days.

How do I get started?

Just fill out the online request form. Always be sure to include your name, social security number, the name of your high school, and class period with your teachers name. We need this information so you can be notified as soon as the material(s) come in.

Request a book.
Request a magazine or journal article.

Where do I pick up and return ILL items?

ILL items may be picked up at and returned to your high school library. Your librarian will contact you through the teacher named on the request form.

Are there any restrictions concerning ILL?

Lending libraries state the terms of a loan, and the ILL borrower must abide by these terms. Loaned books/videotapes must be returned promptly to avoid jeopardizing our relations with lending libraries. Because libraries generally do not loan the following items, we do not request them: multi-volume sets, textbooks for classroom use, rare books, manuscripts, audiovisual materials, reference materials, and 
entire issues of periodicals.

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies of copyrighted material. Libraries are authorized to furnish a photocopy if it is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If an ILL borrower uses a photocopy for purposes in excess of "fair use," he/she may be liable for copyright infringement.

The PAC Library reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying request if, in our judgment, fulfillment of the request would violate Copyright Law.