Do you ever use inter-library-loan programs?

[Syrinx]

And have you ever been told that your library couldn't get a particular book for you?

I've used inter-library loans for years, and have been able to read many books, for free, that my local library didn't own. I've borrowed many books in this fashion, including many very esoteric titles. Whether it was "conspiracy" related political books, or very specialized books on computer programming, I've never been let down. Sometimes I've had to wait a week or two, or even three. But I've never been told before that the library can't get a book for me.

That changed recently.

I requested this book.

Family of Secrets: The Bush Dynasty, the Powerful Forces That Put It in the White House, and What Their Influence Means for America

The librarian told me that the book was too "popular" to get for me. I just don't buy that. The librarian could have said it might take a few weeks, or something. But she said flatly that she could not get that book for me.

If the book is really that popular, I'm thrilled. But it just doesn't add up. What do you think?

[elleng]

1. Questionable.

Where's your library?

Did you ask any follow-up questions?

[Syrinx]

2. Tuscaloosa, Alabama

And no I didn't ask any follow-ups. It was all via email. But maybe I should ask more questions.

[elleng]

5. I think so.

BUT considering the State, well, I just don't know. Never been there, just read about it.

[murielm99]

3. The library uses a database, or several databases

that show which other libraries in your system have a particular title in their holdings. If no libraries in your system have it, the system, or the library itself can search beyond into other library systems nearby, or in a statewide database. I have gotten obscure titles and titles from beyond my state in that way. Sometimes I have had to wait a long time, but it can be done.

Ask some questions. I have a feeling that they can borrow from college libraries in your area, or even from other states. They can ask for things from your state library. State libraries are often the best-kept secrets around. I think that is true in my state.

I used to do interlibrary loan for our library when I was the library administrator. I was in on the beginnings of computerized interlibrary loan in this state. Our first system was a dial-up that was cumbersome and time consuming. Now things are simple. Some libraries have one person, or sometimes more than one person who does nothing but interlibrary loan. Often they can track down titles when people give them partial information or even a partial description of what the book is about. Librarians are good at things like that. Some systems will actually mail the book to your home!

Be polite, but don't take no for an answer. That book is out there. This is ridiculous.

[Syrinx]

4. thanks for that!

I was thinking about going to check out the University of Alabama library. They've got way more books than the public library. I'm supposed to have an account there, but I'm not sure, as it's been near a decade since I used it. I'm not sure if I'm still valid. ;)

[JanMichael]

6. This is a list of libraries in Alabama that hold that book:

from OCLC-

US,AL AUBURN UNIV AAA
US,AL BALDWIN CNTY LIBR COOP AL5CW
US,AL BIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON PUB LIBR ABJ
US,AL MONTGOMERY CITY CNTY PUB LIBR AL5MG
US,AL MUSCLE SHOALS PUB LIBR MVI
US,AL UNIV OF ALABAMA ALM

[murielm99]

13. That sounds like a good idea.

You might also check out the community college in your area.

I pay taxes to the community college district in my area. They have done some interlibrary loan for me, but not for books. They found some periodical articles for me.

The community college district shows up on my tax bill and on my voter registration card. I can go to the community college and request a card. Additionally, my card from the local library is good at all the libraries around here that are part of the Northern Illinois Library system. I can walk in and use the local card in any of those communities.

I see that someone posted the OCLC holdings of that title in this thread. That should help.

It is possible that the librarian did not explain the situation well. Maybe the title is so popular that none of the libraries will take requests for that title right now. You may have to wait awhile. Ask the librarian if it will be possible to resubmit your request in a few months.

Don't be suspicious. Most librarians don't care what you read. On the other hand, they care very much if someone tries to keep you from reading something. They will fight censorship with their last breath.

[ejpoeta]

7. i have used inter library loan for many books. i've only ever been told there would be a wait.

i can order it online even, which is awesome. It is odd that they would say it is so popular they don't think they can get it. maybe you could buy the book and read it and then donate it to the library. that way they would have a copy for your local library. :) lol.

[eilen]

8. Our county library system just started a policy

in which borrowers of regional libraries take precedence over their library's collection for holds. For example, I belong to Liverpool Library which is a part of the county system but which is its own entity. If there is a popular book that is frequently reserved or "held" at Liverpool, it may take a very long while for someone from say, the Betts Branch of OCPL to put a hold or reserve on it--- the patrons at Liverpool will always get in front. The Betts Branch, along with all other branches and the main branches of the OCPL have the same system of being at the head of the line for the OCPL collection as well.

This may be clear as mud but also may help explain the problem you are having. I don't know how vast the collections are at your libraries but that may well be the case as the torture investigations are underway.

Perhaps the Alabama system needs to procure more copies to keep up with demand?

[Sal Minella]

9. Used copies from Amazon are more expensive than new copies from Strand,

so "popular" is the word, all right. :)

Must be a good book.

[MountainLaurel]

10. Entirely possible

If it's being regularly checked out on the local level, most libraries won't make it available to ILL, and it may be considered too "mainstream" for most college libraries, which have to focus on more, well, academic works.

[sinkingfeeling]

11. It was published this year, so it may well be that libraries haven't purchased it yet or that your

library is like mine and limits the time 'new arrivals' can be checked out. Could be that there's only a copy or two and people are waiting for it locally.

[ensho]

12. I've inter loaned in various states and found that there are a few biased

librarians but most would turn inside out to get you a book.

[raccoon]

14. I've gotten lots of books on interlibrary loan. I've NEVER been told that.

I've been told the book is unavailable. Once, when I requested a book about Hitler as a painter, no library was willing to loan the book.

check out this site: http://www.worldcat.org/

It will show which libraries have the item you want.)

[raccoon]

15. I notice it was printed in 2009. My local library wouldn't take ILL requests for books

published in the current year. Maybe yours won't either.

Other thing, some libraries may not loan out books published in the current year.

[scrinmaster]

16. Yes, I can actually search for any book in any of the libraries in my county,

then request it online, and pick it up from the branch about one mile from my house.

[Lars39]

17. Were you offered a hold on it?

If not, why not if they have it at all.