Minneapolis Public Library: Interlibrary Loan

Through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, a requested item is obtained for you from another library system, thanks to cooperative arrangements that allow libraries to share materials for the benefit of library users like you. Minneapolis Public Library's Interlibrary Loan service is provided through MnLINK, a statewide virtual library that allows you to search multiple resources and request items from major academic and public libraries in Minnesota and beyond. Note: You must have a library card that is registered with Minneapolis Public Library (MPL) to place a request.

When should I use Interlibrary Loan?

Use Interlibrary Loan to request a book or other item that is not available at Minneapolis Public Library. "Not available" means an item that:

is not listed in the catalog
has a status other than "NOT CHCKD OUT" or "DUE mm/dd/yy."

If your item is in the library's circulating collection, request it through the catalog.

How do I begin?

Click on Interlibrary Loan from the left-hand menu on our catalog homepage (http://mplwebcat.mplib.org/). This takes you to the MnLINK site.

First, sign in by typing the barcode number from your library card. You don't need to enter a PIN/Password. Choose Minneapolis Public Library from the drop-down menu as your Pick Up Location.

How do I locate an item?

Once you are signed in, you'll find that searching MnLINK is similar to searching other library catalogs, with drop-down menus giving a wide variety of search options. There is also an extensive "Help" option covering most any situation that would arise.

Begin by typing in one or more keywords for your item (e.g. author, title, ISBN).

To specify a particular format, use the following terms in the Enter Keywords box:

Abridged
Audiobooks
Compact disc
DVD
Large Type books
Periodicals
Unabridged
VHS

Or, click on Advanced Search for keyword searching in multiple fields, and enter these keywords in the "Anywhere" field.

Note: The results of your search may appear slowly. The more matches found, the longer it will take to display the search results.

How do I place a request?

Once you have search results, click on Details for an item to verify that it is the one you want. If so, click on Get It! and the details are transferred automatically to a request form.

Note: For journal articles or multi-volume sets, please complete Part Details (don't request two items on one form). The form allows you to choose an exact Pick Up Location with the Minneapolis Public Library system. Once you've reviewed the form, click SUBMIT.

If you wish to return to your results, click on Search Results in the left-hand menu (don't use the browser's Back button). You can begin a new search by clicking Basic Search or Advanced Search in the left-hand menu. Or, if you are finished, click Sign Out in the left-hand menu.

What if my search doesn't produce the desired results?

If the above method fails, sign in to MnLINK and click Create Request on the left-hand menu. This brings up a blank request form. Complete the fields, providing as much information as possible to identify the item, and click SUBMIT. When you are finished submitting your request(s), click Sign Out in the left-hand menu.

How will I know when my item is available?

It typically takes anywhere from 7 to 48 days to obtain an item, depending on a number of factors. Minneapolis Public Library's Access Services staff will notify you by email or phone when your item has been received and is ready for you to check out.

Staff will contact you as well if additional information is needed or if the request has been cancelled (reason will be provided).

You can check the status of your request by signing in to MnLINK and clicking on My Requests in the left-hand menu, choosing the details, and clicking Search.

What if I decide to cancel a request?

Please contact Interlibrary Loan staff at 612-630-6140 or ill@mplib.org and provide the ILL number for the item (find the number by clicking My Requests on the left-hand menu).

Is there a limit on ILL requests?

You are limited to 30 requests at any one time, including new requests, pending requests, and filled requests currently on loan. When this limit is reached, you will not be able to place new requests until items are returned.

National Searches

A search of libraries throughout the country may be requested for materials not available through MNLink. A $5 fee will be charged to your library card account if the item is obtained. Additional charges may be assessed by the lending library. If you wish to place a request, please contact Interlibrary Loan at 612-630-6022 or at ill@mplib.org.

Tips

When requesting a specific format, version or edition, make sure the appropriate information is in the Edition line (e.g. DVD ed., VHS ed., Unabridged, etc.)
Request only one item or part per form. With multipart items, specify the needed volume or part in the Special Instructions box.
For assistance, please ask staff.

Can I Return Materials From Suburban Hennepin County Library (HCL) Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to a Minneapolis Library (MPL)?

No. Materials from Suburban HCL-ILL must be returned to a Surburban Hennepin County Library and materials from MPL-ILL must be returned to a Minneapolis Public Library. We are still working on merging many procedures and processes between the two systems. The handling of materials, such as those through Interlibrary Loan, must continue to be processed separately for the time being. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

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