Send an online interlibrary loan request

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a program that allows us to share resources with other libraries in the United States. Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a transaction by which a library can borrow library materials from other libraries. This is done for titles that are not owned by the home library.

You must have a valid library card without fines. See policies and restrictions below.

Requesting an Item

Start by searching our catalog for the item you want.

If we do not own it, you have the following choices to request an Interlibrary Loan:

• Search the Texas Group Catalog using the search box at the top of the page
• Call the library at 409-267-2550
• E-mail for Interlibrary Loan help ccls@chamberstx.gov

Interlibrary loan policies and restrictions

You may request books, audio visual material, microfilm, or photocopies of journal articles. You must have a valid Chambers County Library System Library card for 1 month, be at least 16 years old, and owe no more than $5 in fines.

You may have THREE active requests at one time.

If you have already asked for 3 items, please do not make any more requests until you return one or more of your 3 items.

We do not charge a fee for ILL services.

Chambers County Library System is able to provide interlibrary loans on most books and many items in other media, but there are exceptions:

• Materials that have been published within the calendar year or located in foreign countries
• Materials in high demand
• Materials that do not circulate (Reference, genealogical materials, etc.)
• Materials limited by licensing agreements
• Equipment

The availability of interlibrary loan materials depends upon the willingness of other libraries to lend materials. It is not guaranteed. Notices of refusals to loan are provided to the patron.

The loan period for interlibrary loan items is 2 weeks, unless the lending library requests that the materials be returned sooner. The library system will deliver the ILL to the branch library, and the patron will be notified that the item has arrived. The ILL will be held for 3 days after notification, then it will be returned to the lending library. Failure to return interlibrary loan items on time or to pick up items ordered through interlibrary loan can result in eventual suspension of interlibrary loan privileges.

The Chambers County Library System follows the principles endorsed in the ALA Interlibrary Loan code, the Texas State Library TexNet guidelines, US Copyright Law and US Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted works (CONTU) guidelines, and federal and state laws governing confidentiality of records.

Renewals of items

Items from outside the Chambers County Library System can be requested for a renewal by contacting the library staff.

Lost Interlibrary loan materials

If an item received through interlibrary loan is lost or damaged, the patron is responsible for all overdue fines, the cost of the item, any processing fee charged by the lending library. When materials are lost or returned late, the borrowing privileges of both the patron and the Chambers County Library System are jeopardized.