Interlibrary Loan Guidelines

The Salem Public Library participates in a nationwide cooperative network that allows us to supplement our collection by borrowing items from or loaning them to other libraries. Our library pays for the cost of this arrangement and there is generally no charge to you as a user of the service. We contact you in advance to obtain your permission for any item that requires a fee (ordinarily $10-20).

Please assist us in making this privilege beneficial to you by complying with the following guidelines:

• The service is available to borrowers who have a current Roanoke Valley library card from any of the 17 local branches of the Roanoke, Salem, or Botetourt system and who do not have library fines.
• Request forms are available at the main Check-out counter; please fill them out with as much information as possible to assist the Reference Librarian in ordering the item(s). A form is also available online for placing a request.
• Items that may be borrowed include books, photocopies, and microfilm/microfiche. Libraries do not loan audio materials (books on cassette or CD), videos, DVDs, reference or rare archival items, computer software, or current bestsellers.
• The interlibrary loan process can take 1 - 2 weeks from the request date to receipt of the material so please allow enough time for this service.
• Due dates for items are determined by the lending library and can vary from 10 days to 8 weeks; renewals are often available from the lender but need to be requested from us in advance. Occasionally items are recalled by the lending library.
• The borrower is responsible for any late fees, lost items, or damage to both the lending library and the Salem Library.
• The borrower will be notified by phone, mail, or email when the material has arrived and been processed.
• If, after ordering an item you find you no longer need it, please notify the library so we can cancel the request.
• Items borrowed through the Salem Library must be returned there.
• Please do not remove the information flap from the front of the item; it must be included when the material is returned.

Questions?  Please contact the Reference/Interlibrary Loan Librarian at 540-375-3089 or by email at library@ci.salem.va.us