Inter-Library Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service, which allows Eldredge Public Library patrons to borrow materials from other libraries.  Millions of books and other matierals are within reach for our patrons. 

Library Catalog 

CLAMS (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing) is a network of libraries on Cape Cod and the Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard that share resources through a computerized catalog system.   Your CLAMS card may be used at any CLAMS library to borrow materials.  Your card gives you membership not only to your local library, but to all the CLAMS member libraries.  If an item is not available at your local library, you can request that the item be sent from another CLAMS library.  Search the CLAMS catalog to get started.

Virtual Catalog (Massachusetts)

If the item you want is not owned by a CLAMS library, you have access to the Virtual Catalog, which searches libraries throughout Massachusetts.  Log into the Virtual Catalog with your CLAMS library barcode and search by title, author or ISBN.  Once you place a request, we will notify you when your item has arrived.

Interlibrary Loan (Nationwide)

If your item cannot be located in the CLAMS catalog or in the Virtual Catalog, the next step is to submit a request with our ILL Department.  We will try to locate a copy of the item outside of Massachusetts.   The Interlibrary Loan Department will make every effort to fill requests for all types of materials.  However, most libraries will not lend the following types of items:

• Newly published materials or bestsellers
• Material in high demand at the lending library
• Bound volumes or single issues of magazines (We are able to request photocopies of articles)
• Reference or Genealogical material
• Media items are more difficult to obtain, but it's worth the try
• Old, rare or valualble items, including manuscripts
   

Interlibrary loan orders take from 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer, so please be sure to plan ahead.  Photocopy requests are usually filled within a week.  We cannot guarantee delivery within a specific period of time.  You will be notified by phone or email when your item arrives.  ILL materials are subject to various loan periods and renewal policies.  To maintain good relations with cooperating libraries, books borrowed via Interlibrary Loan should be returned to the front desk on or before the due date. 

Periodical Articles

Please contact our Reference Department to request a photocopy of a periodical article through the Document Delivery Service.  The more information you can provide the better.