Inter-Library Loans
When you can’t find the title you are looking for in our catalogue, another option is an inter-library loan. This means Goldfields Libraries will request a loan from an external library on your behalf, to be delivered to us for you to collect from your local branch or agency.
- Inter-library loans are only available for items at least two years old. For newer items, please suggest a purchase instead.
- Transit fees apply.
- If an item is currently held at another Goldfields Libraries location, you don’t need an inter-library loan. Just reserve the item directly on our catalogue for free. When the item is available, we will transfer it to your local branch or agency for collection.
Requesting an inter-library loan
Library Link 3 is a database that allows you to request items from the LLV3 network of public libraries in Victoria. If an item is not available in our own Goldfields Libraries catalogue, this is the next best place to look.
Library Link 3 Tips:
- When asked to select your home library, enter Goldfields Libraries or North Central Goldfields Libraries (our old name).
- To log in, enter your library card barcode and PIN.
- Once you have found the item you want to request, click on it to see the full record. You should see a blue button in the top right corner, ‘ILL Request’.
- When submitting a request you will be asked for the fee. Please enter “2” in this field to confirm you are willing to pay the minimum standard transit fee of $2. If the only option is a more expensive service, we will contact you to check before proceeding.
What if the title I’m looking for isn’t on Library Link 3?
Library Link 3 (LLV3) only searches the catalogues of libraries within the LLV3 network, a group of seven large public libraries in Victoria. We anticipate integration with more libraries in the future.
In the meantime, if you are unable to find the item you need on LLV3, you can request a wider search by contacting our inter-library loans team at ill@ncgrl.vic.gov.au.
Inter-library loan FAQs
Is delivery guaranteed by the date I entered on the request form?
No, unfortunately we are dependent on when items become available at the libraries that own them. We cannot commit to any arrival date. The date on the form is to indicate when you would no longer need an item, if it could not be supplied before then.
Can I request items published in the last two years?
Due to the statewide inter-library loan policy, items published within the last two years and newly acquired items CANNOT be sought through an inter-library loan request. The decision to supply materials is at the discretion of the supplying library and is subject to any licensing conditions and policies that may apply. Please suggest a purchase instead.
Are there any tips to help me if I’m having trouble finding exactly what I’m after?
If you are uncertain about the exact title/author for the item you are after, verify these before searching LLV3. If you are after a specific format (e.g. DVD, Talking Book, Large Print), you can select results that match the format from the left sidebar, or type the format you require next to the title.
What can I request from LLV3?
You can request anything that you find on LLV3! This includes, Books, CDs, DVDs, Talking Books, Large Print, Magazines, etc.
What if I can’t find what I want, but I have seen the item on Trove?
Email the Inter Library Loans team at ill@ncgrl.vic.gov.au with the title, author and any other information you have, and we will attempt to get this item for you. A note will be left on your Goldfields Libraries membership account as to whether we can or cannot get the item.
How many ILL requests can I make?
You can make three requests at any one time. Once you bring an ILL item back to the library, ILL staff will need to return it to free up your quota, so there may be a short delay before LLV3 allows you to make a new request.
What fees are involved?
You will need to pay a transit fee when you collect your loan. The rate depends on where the item was sourced:
| Victorian public libraries | $2 |
| State Library of Victoria (item may only be used on our premises, not taken home) | $12 |
| Interstate public libraries | $12 |
| University library or National Library of Australia | $42.30 |
- Items ordered but not collected will still incur a charge. (Please let us know immediately if you change your mind)
- Charges for damaged or lost items will be set by the lending library. This can be $150 or more in some cases.
- Items not returned will result in the suspension of this service for you.
- Due to money handling constraints, library agency patrons are currently exempt from the $2 inter-library loan fees. Higher charges still apply.
Once I’ve made my request, how long will it take to be delivered?
We are unable to predict availability and delivery times. We only receive ILL items once a week from a courier. If you have concerns about how long your ILL will take to arrive, please contact us at ill@ncgrl.vic.gov.au
How will I know that my ILL has arrived?
You will receive an email or SMS reservation notification. If you have not received a library system notification before, please contact us to make sure the contact details on your account are correct.
How long can I keep an inter-library loans for?
All ILLs are issued for a four-week loan. Inter-library loans cannot be renewed.
What happens if requests aren’t supplied?
If we can’t source your request, a note will be left on your Goldfields Libraries membership account explaining why.
What are my responsibilities?
You must ensure that ILL items are returned on time and in the condition they were issued.
Failure to return ILL items will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges until the item is returned or paid for. If the item is returned damaged, it will result in a full value replacement and processing fee from the owning library.
Can I get more help?
Contact the inter-library loans team:
Phone: 03 5447 8344
Email: ill@ncgrl.vic.gov.au