Interlibrary Loans & Delivery
InterLINK helps libraries stay connected by funding Illume, the BC provincial interlibrary loan system, and by transporting books between libraries with our independent delivery service and through commercial carriers.
Together, these services help library members provide a greater variety of collections to patrons without straining collection budgets.
Quick Facts
- We support 65,000+ interlibrary loans per year
- We serve roughly 60% of BC’s population
- We deliver from the Lower Mainland to Lillooet, and in between
Service Details
Learn more about InterLINK’s interlibrary loans and delivery service.
Interlibrary Loans
Interlibrary loans is a service that lets you borrow books from libraries outside your local system. In BC, this service is coordinated through an online platform called Illume. InterLINK funds access to Illume for all BC public libraries and supports the delivery of books between our members.
Delivery
InterLINK’s long-standing delivery service transports interlibrary loans between member libraries. Books are delivered regularly through a combination of our own delivery truck and independent commercial carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interlibrary Loans & Delivery FAQs
Browse answers to common questions about interlibrary loans and InterLINK’s delivery services.
Interlibrary loans let you borrow books from libraries outside your local system. Unlike non-resident borrowing, borrowers do not need to go into a library branch until they are advised the item is ready for pick up.
You can request an interlibrary loan through your “home” library’s website. Each library has its own processes, including specific instructions on how to do this, and which materials are eligible.
Illume is the Interlibrary loan service between public and post-secondary libraries in BC & Yukon.
Generally, interlibrary loans apply only to physical books. Ebooks are not eligible for interlibrary loan due to restrictive vendor licensing terms.
To borrow items other than books, first check your home library’s interlibrary loan page to see if it is eligible to request. If you cannot borrow it as an interlibrary loan, you may wish to visit the holding library to borrow it directly. For more information, please see non-resident borrowing.
It can take between 2-8 weeks or longer, depending on availability, and processing time at the libraries.
It will be delivered to the branch of your “home” library that you selected – you will be able to select the delivery location when making the interlibrary loan request.
InterLINK delivers to member libraries at least once a week. Libraries that have a higher volume in the lower mainland have two deliveries each week. Delivery frequency may vary due to holidays, weather, and road conditions.
Yes. Please refer to non-resident borrowing for more information on borrowing from InterLINK member libraries in person.
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