Our Services

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan service provides patrons an opportunity to borrow materials that the Saratoga Springs Public Library does not own. Guidelines have been set up by the American Library Association (ALA), and locally by the Capital District Library Council (CDLC), and the Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS). The mission of the Interlibrary Loan department is to facilitate the sharing of resources within the library system as well as outside the service area.

Borrowing:

Please first check our library catalog when looking for materials.

If SSPL does not own the item, but it is owned within the SALS/MVLS system, you may place a reserve directly by clicking on "Request".

Area college libraries and other public libraries outside the SALS/MVLS system are searched through the CDLC Online Catalog.

To request an item from CDLC libraries, or if not found on SALS/MVLS or CDLC catalogs, stop by the reference or information desk, or phone 584-8503. Reference librarians will assist with the interlibrary loan process. You may also submit an online request by using one of the forms listed below.

• Request for book
• Request for journal article

Materials that may be requested are books and journal articles in accordance with copyright laws. Most libraries will not lend recent publications, reference, textbooks, genealogy, and A-V items. If a library charges a fee for loan or copies, the patron will be notified beforehand. Materials are due on or before the date stamped on the card. Loan periods are set by the lending library, although a book may be recalled at any time.

FAQ's:

How much does it cost?

If the lending library charges for a loan, the cost is passed on to the borrower. Libraries in SALS/CDLC do not charge. Some libraries outside the capital district may charge $10 - $20.00 for a loan.

How long does it take?

Our goal is to obtain materials as quickly and efficiently as possible. Materials are sent by UPS, courier, first class mail, and book rate. Times vary. Check with the interlibrary loan librarian at the time of the request.

How do I submit an interlibrary loan request?

In person at the library, fill out a request card. They are located at the Reference and Information Desks. You may phone in a request, send an email to sar-illoan@sals.edu, or submit an online request form.

How long is the loan period?

The loan period is determined by the lending library. For most books, it is 4 weeks, with no renewals.

May I place a request over the phone, and what is the number?

Yes, you may phone the reference desk librarian. The phone number is 584-8503.

How do I know when my item has arrived?

You will receive a phone call. If the item is unavailable, we will also notify you by phone.

If I need assistance with an interlibrary loan question, which phone number should I call?

Please call the Interlibrary Loan office at 584-7860. The extension is 248.

For more information regarding material requests, please see our "Requests FAQ".

Lending:

Institutions outside the Capital District Library Council (CDLC) area may request an item owned by SSPL by using an ALA form, which may be mailed or faxed (518-584-7866); online via OCLC, or email to sar-illoan@sals.edu, including the information of a standard ALA form within the body of the email.
SSPL's online catalog may be accessed through the website at www.sspl.org.

Contact Information: