Inter-library loan
What is Inter-library loan?
Inter-library loan (often referred to as interloan) is a co-operative scheme whereby libraries throughout New Zealand lend items to each other.
Who may use this service?
Anyone who is a member of Christchurch City Libraries may place an interloan request.
How long will my Interloan take?
Requests for non-urgent interloans are forwarded within 3 week days. How soon the request is supplied depends whether the item is available in another library. Most requests are satisfied within 3 weeks. Please contact the library if you haven't received any information after 2 working weeks.
Christchurch City Libraries will make every reasonable effort to promptly supply Interloan requests to clients. Due to outside factors, such as availability and delivery methods, Christchurch City Libraries cannot guarantee delivery, or the speed of delivery.
What if I need an item urgently?
An urgent Interloan service is available. This means the Christchurch City Libraries will make every reasonable effort to supply your request within forty-eight hours.
Due to outside factors, such as availability and delivery methods, Christchurch City Libraries cannot guarantee delivery, or the speed of delivery.
The urgent charge for this service is not refundable if the item cannot be supplied or if delivery is later than required.
What if the item is not available in New Zealand?
It may be possible to obtain the item from overseas using International Interloan or a commercial document supply service. This is charged on a cost recovery basis. Delays in supply may occur. Charges for this service are listed below.
How much does it cost?
It is recognised that Interloan is a value added service and as such, will incur charges. These charges will be collected when an item is requested. Once a interloan request has been placed, the charge is non-refundable unless the item cannot be supplied.
For requests supplied from within New Zealand:
- Non-urgent requests $7.00
- Urgent requests $27.00* ($20 non refundable urgent fee, $7 interloan charge refunded if item cannot be supplied)
- Standards - approximate cost to interloan a standard is $35.00
- Non-city borrowers on the 'pay per item' system will have to pay the standard per item charge in addition to the interloan fee
If you request more than 25 items in one calendar year there is an increased charge after the 25th item.
*Occasionally additional fees may be imposed by the supplying library. These will be passed on to the customer.
For requests supplied from overseas:
This service is charged for on a cost recovery basis. Charges usually start at $NZ27 and may vary according to country of origin, exchange rates, agents charges and method of delivery. Customers will be advised of charges before proceeding with a request.
Overdue charges:
An overdue fee will be incurred if items are returned after the due date.
What cannot be borrowed on interloan?
The following material cannot be borrowed on interloan:
- Popular fiction which is widely available for purchase. Christchurch City Libraries will usually purchase this material. If it is not on our catalogue you can suggest that we buy it
- Anything held by Christchurch City Libraries, including 'Reference only' material
How do I make a request?
First check to see whether we hold the item: check our catalogue.
If we do not have the item you can place your request in one of the following ways:
- By phone to (03) 941 7923
- By fax to (03) 941 7075, attn: Interloans, Christchurch City Libraries
- Fill out our Request an item form online.
N.B. this form is also used for suggestions to purchase - if you are certain that you want the item interloaned you may indicate this in the 'Any other information?' box at the bottom
Christchurch City Libraries cannot guarantee the supply or the speed of delivery of any Interloan requests.
How are interloans delivered?
Books can be collected from any library. Articles may be delivered by email or collected from a library.
Updated May 2008
