Question 1

How do I make a Purchase Request or an InterLibrary Loan request?

Accepted Answer

Check out our full tutorial on making requests!

Question 2

How can I request an ebook or digital audiobook?

Accepted Answer

You can request digital materials to add to the library's Overdrive/Libby collection using Notify Me tags! This PDF demonstrates how to use Notify Me tags.

Some things to keep in mind: 
First, check our digital collection to see if we have the item. You should check both Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla.

If the title is not available in EITHER collection, search for it in Overdrive/Libby and add a Notify Me tag to the title.

Please note: If the title is available in Hoopla, we will not purchase it for Overdrive/Libby.

If we purchase the title, you'll be notified - but you won't be automatically added to the holds list. This is because you get unlimited Notify Me tags and we can't choose for you which titles you want to use your holds on!

Your tags are anonymous - we only see the number of tags on a title, not any information about you.

Question 3

Can I decide whether the library purchases or borrows my request for me?

Accepted Answer

The library reserves the right to determine the best way to fill your request, while still delivering the item to you in as timely a manner as possible.

Question 4

Why didn't the library purchase the item I requested?

Accepted Answer

We are unable to purchase every title that is requested so we have created a set of criteria that will determine whether or not we will purchase a title for our collection. In general we consider the year of publication, community interest in this subject, and availability from our library vendors.

Question 5

Does the library attempt to borrow new items?

Accepted Answer

If we opt not to purchase a new item for the collection we will attempt to borrow it from another library for you. However, our success rate for securing items released in the last year is low. If the item you have requested is new and is not purchased for the collection, we may be unable to obtain it through Interlibrary Loan.

Question 6

How long will it take for my request to arrive?

Accepted Answer

Some requests may take longer depending on how long it takes to obtain an interlibrary loan or make a purchase, however the average time to process your request is 3 weeks, though DVDs may take longer.

You can check the status of your request by logging in to your account on the library catalog. Click My Bookshelf in the lower left corner, then click Holds.

Question 7

Is there a charge for this service?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge if Lake County Public Library purchases your request for its collection. On occasion, when we borrow an item from another library, the library will charge us for the privilege. We will borrow from a library that charges fees only if you authorize us to do so, and only if there are no free libraries available. Fees are due when you pick up your item, when applicable.

Question 8

How many requests may I submit?

Accepted Answer

You may submit 5 requests at a time. A request is anything submitted using your library card number, regardless who entered it. When a request has been canceled or filled and returned to the lending library, you may submit an additional request.

Question 9

How can I take full advantage of my requests?

Accepted Answer

Always check the Lake County Public Library Catalog for the item you are looking for before you submit a request.

The library will not attempt to purchase titles unless they meet certain criteria and we may not be able to borrow recently published materials through Interlibrary Loan.

Items owned by public libraries are generally available at no charge. University and medical libraries often charge a fee. If there are no free lenders and you are not willing to pay a loan fee, your request will not be filled.

Question 10

I have a $5 or more fine on my card. Why can't I use the Interlibrary Loan service?

Accepted Answer

While the library does provide Interlibrary Loan service for free, there is actually a cost associated with it: the library pays shipping and transport fees and passes on none of that cost to you. As a courtesy, we do ask that you pay your fines before we pay to ship books for you!

Question 11

If you are borrowing or buying my request, can you send it to a different library?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to send your request to any of our 9 locations for convenient pick up. If you want an Interlibrary Loan delivered to a another library system, you must submit your request through that library's Interlibrary Loan Department.

Question 12

How long can I keep an item you borrowed for me through Interlibrary Loan and can I renew my item?

Accepted Answer

The lending library determines the length of the loan. The items are not renewable.

Be sure to pick up your item as soon as possible after you receive notification. This will allow you to have it for the maximum loan period given by the lending library. The longer your item sits on the hold shelf, the less time you will have with it. Some items borrowed are only for use in the library and cannot be checked out, such as rare or fragile materials, microfilm, microfiche, and other special materials.

Question 13

How do I check my pickup location?

Accepted Answer

To check your pickup location, log in to your account and check your Requests.

Question 14

How will I be contacted when my item arrives?

Accepted Answer

You will be contacted by your preferred method of notification when your item arrives at your designated pickup location.

Question 15

I requested an item for purchase/inter-library loan a very long time ago - why haven't I gotten it yet?

Accepted Answer

If we can not get an item for you, you will be notified in your patron account and your request will be changed to "Canceled".

In cases in which the status of your request has not changed, it is likely that we have purchased the item but are now waiting on the publishers. We often order items months before they are published; if you've requested one of these from our catalog and the item's release date was pushed back after we placed our order, your wait time may be prolonged.

Question 16

An item I requested never showed up in my Requests. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

If the library cannot obtain the title and will not be purchasing it, or if there is some delay in obtaining the title, a message will be posted in your account. Log in to your account from the library catalog, and check Messages.

Question 17

Who do I talk to for more information about my request?

Accepted Answer

Interlibrary Loan (borrowing)
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 219-769-3541, ext. 333