FAQs • Watsonville • CivicEngage

What can I request?: A wide range of materials is available to borrow through ILL. ILL staff makes every effort to fulfill requests but not all requests can be obtained. Some materials are difficult to get such as DVDs, CDs, videos, audio books, microfilm and magazines. Reference material and items published within the last 18 months cannot be borrowed. If you order a book series and want to read them one by one, you are best served by placing a request for the next item in the series when you receive the first one (or part way through depending on your reading style). Watsonville Public Library has no control over when the material arrives.

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Library - Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

1. Does it cost to use the ILL service?: Watsonville Public Library pays the operating costs associated with Interlibrary Loan orders so there is no charge to the patron to place a request. Most items are available to borrow without a charge however, if a lending library requires additional charges, patrons will be asked if they wish to pay the additional charges or cancel the request.

2. What if the ILL item I borrowed is damaged or lost?: If an ILL item is damaged or lost, there is usually a fee charged to the patron. This fee is determined by the lending library on a case-by-case basis.

3. How do I make a request?: Come in or call to the Information/Reference Desk at either branch. With the information you provide, a librarian makes sure that the exact item you want is able to be requested and fills out a request form.

Your account shows that the request has been placed and when it is ready for pickup. We urge Watsonville Public Library patrons to pick up the material as soon as possible and begin using the material immediately. Access your library account.

4. How do I return the item?: Items can be returned to either the Watsonville Public Library or the Freedom Branch Library no matter where the item was originally picked up. Please return the item on or before the due date specified on the yellow paper band wrapped around the item. You may use the outside book drop, the inside book drop, or hand it to a staff member at the Customer Service / Circulation desk.

5. How do I know that my request is in process?: You can check your online account and confirm it is in your holds queue. The ILL item title will have **ILL written in front of it. You can also call the library 831-768-3400.

6. How long does it take for the item to arrive?: The item usually arrives within two to five weeks. The actual length of time depends on the lending library and shipping. We process interlibrary loan requests in the order in which they are received.

7. How many ILL requests can I make?: You may have up to five ILL requests in process at any one time (requested and checked out).

8. How will I know the item has arrived? Where do I pick it up?: You will receive a letter in the mail or an email depending on how you have your library account set up. The pickup location (at the main library or the Freedom branch) is arranged when you request the item and it is written on the notice. to see if the item has arrived. To see if the item has arrived, you may call the library at 831-768-3400 or check your library account.

9. I need more information. Who can I talk with?: Call the library 831-768-3400 and ask for the Interlibrary Loan Department.

10. I still need the item. Can I renew it?: ILL items cannot be renewed; the due date is set by the lending library. We urge Watsonville Public Library patrons to pick up the material as soon as possible and begin using the material immediately. Please return the item to the Watsonville Public Library or Freedom Branch Library no later than the due date. Items that are returned late or not returned jeopardize borrowing privileges for you and for the library.

11. What can I request?: A wide range of materials is available to borrow through ILL. ILL staff makes every effort to fulfill requests but not all requests can be obtained. Some materials are difficult to get such as DVDs, CDs, videos, audio books, microfilm and magazines. Reference material and items published within the last 18 months cannot be borrowed. If you order a book series and want to read them one by one, you are best served by placing a request for the next item in the series when you receive the first one (or part way through depending on your reading style). Watsonville Public Library has no control over when the material arrives.

12. What do I need to make an ILL request?: You need information about the item you want and a Watsonville library card in good standing.

13. What is the philosophy of Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?: ILL is a reciprocal service. Watsonville Public Library lends material to and borrows material from other libraries across the United States. ILL service operates worldwide and is a key component of the flow of information that libraries are heralded for. The U.S. Interlibrary Loan Code was first published in 1917; ILL’s effectiveness depends upon the participation of all types and sizes of libraries.

14. What is WorldCat?: “WorldCat connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide.” For more information about WorldCat go to their website.

15. Why is the check-out period (so short) (so long) (not three weeks)?: The due date for ILL items is set by the lending library. We urge Watsonville Public Library patrons to pick up the material as soon as possible and begin using the material immediately.

16. Why is there a yellow paper band wrapped around the item?: The yellow paper band indicates the item is an ILL loan. It provides information about returning the item including the date the item needs to be returned by. Please do not remove the yellow paper band or the card with the Watsonville Public Library barcode.