INTERLIBRARY LOAN POLICY

The Washington County Public Library (WCPL) provides library users access to materials not available in the Library through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Most books are available with the exception of current best sellers, reference materials, and audiovisual materials. Periodical articles can be obtained if WCPL has not reached the maximum number of articles allowed by National ILL policy. The Library also lends materials owned by the Washington County Public Library to requesting libraries.

The Library subscribes to the principles of Interlibrary Loan as governed by the Virginia Interlibrary Loan Code and the National Interlibrary Loan Code.

Requests Made to Other Libraries

The Library will attempt to borrow materials not in its collection from other libraries for a patron under the following conditions:

Patrons must have a borrower's card and be in good standing.

Request forms must be filled out completely. Patron subject requests are forwarded to the Reference staff.

Patrons are responsible for all costs incurred in obtaining an Interlibrary Loan. The Washington County Public Library charges only the amount of one-way postage for Interlibrary Loan services, and most items can be obtained without any additional cost. Occasionally, however, a lending institution will charge for sending an item, such as copying costs and handling fees. The cost is incurred when the item is shipped, and the patron is responsible for paying the amount billed even if the material is not picked up.

The same policies apply to materials received through Interlibrary Loan as they do to Washington County Public Library=s materials. In addition, the lending library=s policies also apply to items. For example, patrons are responsible for any late fees that may be charged from the lending library, and in the event of lost or damaged material, the patron is responsible for the amount charged by the lender for replacement. Library privileges will be suspended until the debt is settled.

Materials obtained through Interlibrary Loan are checked out for two weeks. Items may be renewed if needed longer, provided the renewal period is within the time period allowed by the lending library.

Patrons may have 5 active requests at any one time.

A fine of $1.00 per day will be charged for each overdue ILL.

To prevent damage and to insure proper checkin, all ILLs must be returned to the circulation desk.

All ILL requests are processed at the Main Library. Branches are to fax completed Interlibrary Loan request forms to the Main Library for processing.

Requests Made by Other Libraries

The Washington County Public Library will make its full collection available for Interlibrary Loan anywhere within the continental United States with the following exceptions:

• Fiction and nonfiction acquired within the last 6 months
• Magazines and newspapers (entire issues)
•  Reference material
• Compact discs, videos, and audiocassettes
• Uncataloged paperback books
• Very expensive books
•  Books in high demand at specific times (Black history books in February, holiday materials, etc.)
• Virginia Room materials
• Leased books

Books will be sent to borrowing institutions for a four-week period.

Photocopies will be sent for magazine and newspaper articles.

WCPL will not charge borrowing institutions for ILL services. This includes postage and any copying charges incurred.

Borrower is responsible for determining that the request complies with the provisions of the Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S. Code) and guideline compliance should be indicated on the initial request.