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Interlibrary Loan

Notice to Interlibrary Loan Requestors:

You will notice that MNLINK has changed. It still functions the same. There are some differences. Here are some items to be aware of:

  • YOU WILL NOT KNOW IF YOU ARE OVER YOUR LIMIT. Instead of rejecting a request, the system creates a list you may revisit. This may be an issue if you are a heavy requestor. We recommend checking your account in MNLINK regularly. We hope this will be corrected soon.
  • Notifications will now only go to through email. Phone is no longer an option in this system. We recommend adding an email to your library account for notices.
  • Articles are unavailable through MNLINK at this time. However, you can request one by emailing: Journal title, vol, issue, pub date, pg #s, Article title, and Author to interlib@duluthmn.gov 

If you have questions, you reach the Interlibrary Loan Office at 218-730-4228.

Older Materials

ILL requests for older items can be made using the MNLINK System. Requests can also be placed over the phone by calling 218-730-4206.

InterLibrary Loan

New Materials

If your item was published recently, please fill out a purchase request form using the button below. New materials may not be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

Purchase Request Form

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Interlibrary Loan, often referred to as "ILL" allows a library to borrow materials that are not in their collection from other libraries for patrons. In the case of Duluth Public Library, these materials are tangible, but we cannot borrow digital materials.

Here's a brief tutorial to help you get started.

MNLINK HANDOUT

About 85% of requests are filled.

Newly released materials, ebooks and digital movies, eReaders, computer software, or entire issues of magazines are unavailable.

There is no fee for this service. However, 

  • There is a placeholder of $30 for the replacement cost of a lost Interlibrary Loan item until a final cost is sent from lending library.
  • Your actual charge may be more or less than $30. Items from University of Minnesota Libraries have a set replacement cost of $115.
  • Please note, once Duluth Public Library has paid for an ILL item marked "Lost", there are no refunds or waivers for the replacement costs.

Most requests are filled within 2 weeks. Materials that are in high demand, hard to find, or owned by only a few libraries may take longer.

You can check your account on MNLINK https://search.mnlink.org/MyResearch/UserLogin or call the Interlibrary Loan Office at 218-730-4228.

You will be notified by phone or email. Once you are notified, the materials will be held at the circulation desk of your chosen library branch.

Loan periods for most items are the same as if they were owned by Duluth Public Library: 4 weeks for books and CDs, 2 weeks for DVDs. In some cases, loan periods may be shortened. It is in your best interest to pick up your materials promptly.

Usually, no. If you need an item for longer than the loan period, the best approach is to return the item on time and place a new request. If that's not a workable solution, we can request a renewal from the lending library, but it requires a few days’ notice, and many libraries simply do not renew ILL materials.

  • If the Duluth Public Library owns or has ordered the item you want, it cannot be requested through interlibrary loan
  • You may have up to 4 active requests per card at one time (this includes book groups and classes)
  • Your card cannot be expired and you cannot owe more than $5 in fees or other charges
  • Patrons with Easy Access Cards are not eligible for interlibrary loan services
  • Students should request course materials through their school library
  • Copyright restrictions may apply to some photocopy requests

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