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OCLC Interlibrary Loan

Introduction

OCLC offers libraries Web-based online ILL services. OCLC's friendly FirstSearch interface brings fully online interlibrary loan into the reach of all Montana's libraries.

ILL Options

Our statewide contract with OCLC allows an unlimited number of ILLs for your library, for an annual fixed fee. Your library has five options shaping how (and if) your users are able to request items online and how (and if) you want to manage ILL online. For all online managed options your library may chose to borrow materials only, supply materials only, or both borrow and supply ILL items. Here are your options:

  1. No Online ILLs
    Patrons cannot request items online, and your library does not manage ILL online using OCLC. Libraries choosing this option are using OCLC exclusively as a cataloging tool.

  2. E-mail ILL Requests Only
    Patrons can request items online, and their requests are e-mailed to your library. Your library manages ILL transactions using ALA forms, fax, OCLC's interlibrary loan system, or by some other means.

  3. ILL Management Only
    Patrons cannot request items online, but your library does manage ILL online using OCLC's FirstSearch. Your library creates and approves each ILL request before it gets sent to another library.

  4. ILL Requests and Mediated Management
    Patrons can request items online, and your library does manage ILL online using OCLC's FirstSearch. Your library approves (mediates) each ILL request before it gets sent to another library.

  5. Direct Request ILL and Unmediated Management
    Patrons can request items online, and your library does manage ILL online using OCLC's FirstSearch. Your patrons may initiate unmediated requests directly from your library's ILL search interface or from MLNCAT. Your ILL librarians are, of course, able to create requests and control direct-request parameters.