We can get that!: Inter-Library Loan services and you

When the library doesn't have the books you want, you have several options. You can visit every library within an hour's drive and fatten your wallet with dozens of shiny new library cards; you can order the books from Amazon or your local book store, taking your wallet back down to size;  or, if you'd like a wallet-neutral solution, you can head back to the library and apply for Inter-Library Loan.

The Inter-Library Loan system allows the Andover Library to ask other Kansas libraries if we can borrow their books on your behalf. You pick up and return the items at Andover Library with your Andover Library card - we handle the shipping and other logistics. It's a great way to get the items you want without having to drive to distant libraries or spend money on books you may only read once. 

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Inter-Library Loan takes time. Between waiting for other libraries to respond to ILL requests, and waiting for the items to arrive in the mail, it can take more than a week to get your items. This can be a problem if you need the item for a school assignment.
• We'll call you! If we aren't able to find your item anywhere, we will call you as soon as we know. Otherwise, we won't call you until the item comes in. 
• When the item arrives, it is automatically checked out to you. Don't be shocked when you see the strange item on your account and have no memory of checking it out! This is normal!
• The lending library sets the due date. We keep the item on our hold shelf from the time it arrives until either you pick it up OR the due date passes. If you don't pick it up until the last day, we cannot change the due date. Although we can call the other library and ask them to renew the item for you, the other library may say no.
• If you have a question about your requests, you want to talk to Kathy. It's complicated borrowing so many different items from so many different libraries for so many different patrons! To minimize confusion, only ONE librarian processes ILL requests. Additionally, ILL requests require a separate system from regular library transactions, so no other librarians can see the status of your requests.
• Some items cannot be Inter-Library Loaned. You cannot request an item that is less than six months old (though you can ask us to buy a copy). You also cannot request an item that the Andover Library already has, even if our copy is checked out, unless the item is designated as "Lost" or "Missing" in our catalog. 
• It's free! That's pretty self-explanatory.