Interlibrary loan

Interlibrary loan (ILL) enables PCC students, faculty, and staff to obtain materials that are not available in the PCC Libraries. Community library users and PORTALS patrons are not eligible for this service, but should contact their own college or public library.

The lending library determines whether a particular item can be provided, what the cost will be, the length of time it is on loan, and the time it takes to process the request. Regional agreements regulating interlibrary loan and federal copyright law also place limitations on the types of materials that may be borrowed, as well as the number of articles that can be requested from a particular journal. Current books, materials in high demand, audiovisual materials, or rare books may be difficult or impossible to obtain.

How much does it cost?

Costs are determined by the lending library. We always borrow from free sources if possible, but some items are only available from libraries that charge. Costs of $8 to $20 are not uncommon. Please indicate maximum amount you are willing to spend for each item on the ILL form.

PCC faculty and staff are not charged for work-related loans or photocopies, but must pay ILL costs for personal research (e.g., for a dissertation).

How long will it take?

The time it takes to receive requested material generally depends upon the location of the lending library. Materials borrowed from Pacific Northwest libraries can be expected within five days to two weeks. Items from libraries in other parts of the country may take three or four weeks.

Requests submitted during working hours are routed to the appropriate library the same day. Delays may occur if the item is unavailable at one library and the request must be forwarded to a second location. Libraries that process a high volume of ILL requests may be slower in sending materials. If the material is needed by a specific deadline, please indicate this on the request form.

Can I get it faster?

If the material is available locally, going directly to the owning library will be fastest. PCC staff, faculty and students have borrowing privileges at all PORTALS libraries. Also try searching Summit from the PCC library catalog, as Summit materials are generally available in about 3 days. Additionally, you may use your public library card from Multnomah, Clackamas, or Washington county or the Fort Vancouver Regional Library to obtain a card from any of these libraries at no cost. Find other library catalogs.

How long may I keep the library's materials?

Generally materials are checked out for two weeks. Renewals are sometimes possible if requested prior to due date.

How many items may I request?

Generally not more than five at a time. For more information, please consult a reference librarian.

How do I submit a request?

As a first step, check the library catalog to be sure we do not have the material. Next click the "repeat search in Summit" button while in the PCC library catalog to see if the material is available there. If the item is not found, then request a book or journal article through ILL.