Borrowing Books Outside of Seneca
Interlibrary Loans (ILL)

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Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
Interlibrary loans (ILL) allow Seneca library users to borrow materials such as books, reports, theses, and photocopies of periodical articles from libraries outside of Seneca College.

Requests may be submitted either by filling out the electronic Interlibrary Loan Form or by filling out the print interlibrary loan form located at each campus library. Each request must be made on a separate form. Complete, legible and correct information must be provided, and users should indicate where they obtained the information for the requested material.


Interlibrary Loan Policy

Eligibility
Interlibrary loans are available to all Seneca students, faculty, and staff. Community borrowers and alumni may not use this service.

Time Requirements
Requested materials generally take from seven to fifteen days to obtain. Some obscure materials will take longer. Ontario colleges will allow students to pick up interlibrary loan materials from their library themselves. Please see the direct borrowing policy.

Costs
Books: Most community colleges in Ontario allow users to request books for free. Universities and other lending institutions may charge a fee to request books. Charges may range from $5.00 - $20.00 per book. Whenever possible, library staff will try to locate a free source for the material requested; however, library patrons should indicate whether they are interested only in sources that are free, or post a maximum amount they would be willing to pay.

Periodicals: Most libraries charge for photocopies of periodical articles. Charges may range from $5.00 - $20.00 per article. Faxed rush requests may cost an additional $1.00.

All charges incurred through interlibrary loans are the responsibility of the borrower.

Limitations
Some lending libraries do not permit borrowed items to be renewed. Reference, reserve materials, textbooks, rare books and periodicals may not be borrowed through ILL.

Public Libraries
Users are not permitted to request materials from public libraries. They are expected to borrow directly from them. To check which public library has a particular item, users can call their local library or check the Toronto Public Library web catalogue.

Maximum Number of Requests
Students can request up to 3 books and 4 periodical articles. Faculty and staff can make special arrangements for loans.

Due Date Slip
A due date slip is enclosed with each item borrowed. The lending library may specify certain limitations, such as library use only, or no renewals. This information will be indicated on the due date slip. This slip should not be removed from the item.

Picking up Materials
When the materials arrive, individuals will be notified either by telephone or e-mail. Users must show identification to receive their interlibrary loan materials. At that time, the user will be alerted to the due date and the rate of overdue fines. Unclaimed ILLs may result in the suspension of the ILL privilege.

Returning Materials
Interlibrary loan materials must be returned to the same location they were picked up.

Renewals
Requests for renewals must be made to the ILL staff directly by either fax (416)-491-3349 or e-mail ill@senecac.on.ca. ILL staff will inform the user if the book has been successfully renewed.

Overdue Materials
The library charges $1.00/day in fines for all overdue materials. A user who fails to return an overdue item must pay the replacement cost of the item.

It is important that all users respect these policies,
as abuse of this service may result in a discontinuation of interlibrary loan services to our library.