ILL FAQs

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) aka “borrow from a library nationwide” is an agreement between libraries throughout the United States to share materials by borrowing and lending to each other. If our library does not own a specific item, we can try to borrow it for you. Items that are owned by AHML cannot be requested through Interlibrary Loan.

My ILL Requests is the electronic system you use to request an item via Interlibrary Loan. This system is separate from your Arlington Heights Memorial Library account.

All first-time users must complete the registration form on the My Requests (ILL) page. Simply click on the First Time Users button then click on the First Time Users Click Here at bottom of the screen. Once you've set up your account you can log in to My Requests with your last name and library card number.  

From the Borrow tab select Request Interlibrary Loan 

1. Login to account. 
2. Complete the form – be as detailed as possible. 
3. Add any additional information or instruction (edition, language, unabridged version, etc.) in the comments field of the request. Any public service desk staff member will be happy to help you. 

When searching the online catalog, you can also click on Borrow from a library nationwide, this will take you to the My Requests (ILL) page. 

1. Login to account. 
2. Complete the form – be as detailed as possible. 
3. Add any additional information or instruction (edition, language, unabridged version, etc.) in the comments field of the request. Any public service desk staff member will be happy to help you. 

Any public service desk staff member will be happy to help you.

AHML cardholders in good standing are eligible for an account.

• Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 4:00PM 
• Email, illrequests@ahml.info 
• Phone, 847-870-4313 

Guidelines are that you please not submit more than 6 requests per day, but you can have up to 100 active requests.

It can take several weeks depending on where the item is coming from. If the library can't get the item you requested, you will be notified. 

A deadline date does not get materials here any faster, but you can add in the comments section of your request. All requests are processed in order received.

• Photocopies are yours to keep. 
• Loan periods are determined by the lending library. Materials are generally loaned for two to four weeks. 
• Some materials are restricted to library use only. 

Interlibrary Loan items do not display on your main library account like AHML items do.   

• Log into your My Requests (ILL) account, click Checked Out Items on the left of the screen.  
• Log into your AHML online account click Interlibrary Loan on left of screen and you will see a snapshot of your ILL activity. 

The history of your transactions is available by clicking on History Requests on the left of the screen once logged into your My Requests (ILL) account.

Depending on your settings, you will get an e-mail or phone call notifying you of the new due date or if the item could not be renewed.

The lending library determines the cost of replacing a lost item. Some libraries charge flat rates up to $150 for lost or damaged items. You are responsible for paying the full replacement cost assessed by the lending library.

Yes, the lending library determines whether an item may be renewed, response time varies, but we usually know within a few days.  

• Renewals are not guaranteed. 
• Items that are marked with a neon yellow sticker saying NO RENEWALS cannot be renewed. 
• Items 14 days or more overdue cannot be renewed.  

• Books 
• DVDs 
• VHSs 
• CDs 
• Cassettes 
• Articles (We request photocopies or electronic documents; cannot get entire issues) 
• Microfilm (These are not always loaned out, but we will try) 

Note:  

• We are unable to request materials which have been published within the past six months to a year.  
• We are not able to request items that are owned by AHML or request multiple copies of the same item. (You can request the same item again after it has been returned.) 
• We cannot get e-books.