AkLA Handbook Section VIII:2b
Documents Adopted and/or Endorsed by AkLA:
Alaska Interlibrary Loan Code

Updated: Monday, 08-May-2006 17:33:50 MDT

• Alaska Interlibrary Loan Code - Section VIII-2b
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Section VIII - 2B Alaska Interlibrary Loan Code

ALASKA INTERLIBRARY LOAN CODE: formally adopted by the Association at the annual meeting in 1971.

This code is a voluntary agreement adopted by the Alaska library Association on March 20, 1971 to govern interlibrary lending among libraries in the state of Alaska. Although correlated with the ALA National Interlibrary Loan Code (published in draft form in the ALA. Bulletin April 1968, v.62, p.409-411) this local code is intended to promote a more liberalized interlibrary loan policy among the libraries adopting it. It is based on the premise that lending among libraries for the use of an individual in the State of Alaska, is in the public interest and should be no substitute for the development of adequate collections based on the needs of the service areas represented in libraries and library systems.

This code may be further expanded or modified to meet the particular interests of participating libraries.

I. Definition
Interlibrary loans are transactions in which library materials are made available by one library to another, for the purposes of this code they also include the provision of copies as substitutes for loans of the original materials.

II. Purpose
Since it is increasingly evident that it is impossible for any one library to be self-sufficient, and in the belief that the furtherance of knowledge is in the general interest, interlibrary borrowing and lending is regarded by the libraries subscribing to this agreement as essential to library service.

III. Responsibility of Lending Libraries
Lending libraries will practice as liberal and unrestrictive a policy as is possible in interlibrary loans, with due consideration to the interests of their primary clientele.

IV. Responsibility of Borrowing Libraries

1. It is recognized that interlibrary lending does not relieve any library of the responsibility of developing its own collection. Each library will provide the resources to meet the ordinary study, educational, instructional, informational, and research needs of all of its users to the best of its ability.
2. Borrowing libraries will make every effort to exhaust their own resources before resorting to interlibrary loans.

V. Scope

1. Any type of library material needed for the purposes of study, instruction, information or research may be requested on loan or in photocopy from another library. The lending library has the privilege of deciding in each case whether a particular item should or should not be provided, and whether the original or a copy should be sent. These decisions may be determined by the nature of the material or its physical condition, the degree of active demand for the material requested (or other reasons specifically indicated in this agreement).
2. Under the terms of this agreement it is permissible to request on interlibrary loan:
   1. Materials collected in specialized subject fields and in special non-restricted collections.
   2. Materials collected under special acquisition agreements.
   3. Materials bought under special grant or other programs intended to promote economical use of the total resources of the area.
   4. Reference materials whenever lending might not hinder the service of the lending library.
3. Each participating library may prepare a statement of its interlibrary loan policies and procedures to further supplement the national and state code and will make this statement available to all participating libraries.

VI. Expenses

1. The borrowing library should be prepared to assume any costs charged by the lending library as agreed upon in this code. If the charges are more than nominal, and not authorized beforehand by the borrowing library, the lending library will inform the requesting library and obtain authorization to proceed with the transaction. Borrowing libraries should attempt to anticipate charges and authorize them on the initial request.
2. In the interest of efficiency the lending library may agree to absorb nominal costs for:

   1. Postage
   2. Photocopying
   3. Insurance

3. Libraries may make special contractual or other arrangements, including financial reimbursement or other adjustments, in recognition of service contributions from libraries whose resources are used extensively under this agreement.

VII. Conditions of Loans

1. The safety of borrowed materials is the responsibility of the borrowing library. The borrowing library will meet all costs of repair or replacement in accordance with the preferences of the lending library.
2. The borrowing library will honor any limitations on use imposed by the lending library.
3. The borrowing library is responsible for returning loans promptly and in good condition.
4. Unless specifically forbidden by the lending library, it is assumed that copying is permitted, provided that it is in accordance with copyright law and ALA policy and further, provided no damage to the original volume will result.

VIII. Placement of Requests

1. Special arrangements for lending of materials by designated resource libraries may be made within the context of this agreement. Requests may be routed through such established channels as may be agreed upon by libraries participating in a local, state, or regional plan for library service.
2. Requests the lending library cannot fill should be sent on to the next best source and the borrowing library notified.
3. Every effort will be made to locate materials through available local, state, and regional union catalogs, and union lists.
4. Requests may be made by mail, or transmitted by special or regularly scheduled messenger service. Telephone requests may be confirmed by the mail.
5. No library will lend directly to an individual on an interlibrary loan basis, except with specific permission of the borrowing library.

IX. Form of Request

1. Materials requested should be described as completely and accurately as possible.
2. All requests and shipments shall be conspicuously labeled "Interlibrary Loan.

X. Duration of Loan

1. Unless otherwise specified by the lending library, the duration of the loan shall be calculated as the time the item is to be in the borrowing library, disregarding the time spent in transit. The period of loan shall be determined by the lending library.
2. Renewal requests shall be kept to a minimum.
3. The borrowing library is responsible for returning interlibrary loans promptly and in good condition.

XI. Notification and Acknowledgement

1. The lending library shall notify the borrowing library promptly whether or not the material is being sent; if the material cannot be supplied or is delayed the lending library shall state the reason.
2. Except in the case of very valuable shipments, no acknowledgement of receipt is necessary. If there is undue delay in receipt of shipments, the borrowing library shall notify the lending library so that a search may be initiated.

XII. Obligation to the Code
Each library is responsible for maintaining the provisions of this code in good faith.

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