Inter-library loans

Your library card is your gateway to endless possibilities. If we don't have what you're looking for, you can request items from other libraries' collections.

Have your library card number and password ready, and submit your request via the button below.

Request an inter-library loan

Fees and conditions apply - see details below.

You can borrow books, magazine articles, DVDs and music CDs from participating libraries.

You can only borrow items that aren't in our collection. Please check our catalogue or ask library staff before you make an inter-library loan request.

You can't borrow items through inter-library loans that are:

In our collection, but currently out on loan
On order, being processed or in transit
In our reference collection

In most cases, you'll be able to take inter-library items home, but some libraries may only lend items on the condition that they're used in the library. We'll let you know if this applies to your request.

Delivery

Normally it takes around two weeks for an inter library loan item to get to you, but sometimes it might take longer.
We try to get the items to you as soon as we can, but we can't promise when it will arrive.

Loan periods

The loan period for an item is determined by the library that owns it.
It's usually between one to four weeks.
The library can also ask for the item back before the due date.
We'll let you know how long you can keep the item when you pick it up.

Renewals

Sometimes you can borrow an inter library loan for a longer time, as long as you ask for an extension before the due date.
Whether you can do this depends on the library's policy and if other people are waiting to borrow it.

Fees

Fees apply to all inter-library loans. You will only need to pay the fee when the items are supplied.

General current fees for inter-library loans are:

$10 per item for most libraries (or full cost of recovery if a charge is made by the lending library)
$33.60 per item for items only held by the National Library, private or academic items
$21.80 per article for photocopied magazine articles or documents, up to 25 pages. Additional pages: $4.90 per 25 pages or part thereof.

If your request is urgent, you may need to pay additional fees to cover the cost of a courier service. Ask library staff if you want to request urgent delivery of an inter-library loan.

Payment methods

You can pay for your loan fee with cash or EFTPOS at all of our libraries.

Request multicultural items from State Library of NSW

You can also ask to borrow a box of items from the State Library of NSW in languages other than English, or to help improve your English skills.

See our Community Language Collections page for more information.