If the Prince Rupert Public Library doesn't have the item you need, we can request it from another library on your behalf. Through our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) program, we can access materials from public, college, university, and government libraries across British Columbia, Canada, and beyond.
What We Can Get
- Books
- Photocopies of magazine articles
- Reference material
- Microfilm (newspapers and archives)
We can also do a subject search for you if you don't have a specific reference in mind.
Some items cannot be requested through ILL: audiovisual materials, complete magazine issues, new releases, and reference books.
How to Request
Request forms are available at the Circulation Desk or beside the public computers. Please fill out one form per item and include as much detail as possible:
- Books: author, title, publisher, publication date, and ISBN if known
- Magazine articles: periodical title, volume, date, page numbers, and author/article title
- Subject searches: a detailed description of what you're looking for
Please limit requests to 3 items at a time.
Cost
The Prince Rupert Public Library processes interlibrary loans free of charge, and most lending libraries fill requests at no cost.
Occasionally a lending library will charge for loans or photocopies. If that happens, we will contact you for authorization before incurring any cost on your behalf.
Wait Times & Renewals
Delivery time depends on the lending library's location and item availability. Requests can arrive in as little as a week or take up to 6 months. We will contact you as soon as your item arrives.
For a status update, please wait 4 weeks before calling us at 250-627-1345, as the process can involve many steps.
To renew an ILL item, contact us at least 3 days before the due date. Renewals are not guaranteed and depend on the lending library.
Overdues & Lost Items
Other libraries lend to us as a gesture of goodwill. Please return items on time and in good condition.
- Overdue fines: $0.50 per day
- Lost or damaged items: you are responsible for the lending library's replacement cost plus a processing fee
If you need a renewal, contact us before the due date rather than returning the item late.
Questions?
Our staff are happy to help with any questions about the Interlibrary Loan service.
Ask for the Circulation Desk.