Interlibrary loans
About interlibrary loans
State Library members can request materials through interlibrary loan that are not typically available at local public libraries or held in our collection.
If you have questions about the State Library’s interlibrary loans service, please submit your queries using the button below.
Searching for titles / Requesting titles
Use the catalogue on our website to search for titles in the State Library and Western Australian public library network. If you locate a title you wish to loan, please click on the ‘Use Interlibrary Loans’ link in the record and submit a request using the request form.
Interlibrary Loan Request Form
Please note that WA public libraries do not loan newly acquired titles (items that have been added to their collections in the last 12 months). These titles are reserved for local communities; however, exceptions are made for library members with special needs.
Additional conditions may apply to rare, heritage or high demand items.
External Loans
Search Trove for titles outside of the State Library and WA public library network, including from university and public library collections around Australia. External loans attract a fee and payment is required before the loan is processed. You will be sent a payment link when State Library staff receive your request.
Search Trove for external interlibrary loans
Once you’ve located the title you wish to loan, you will need to submit an interlibrary loan request form and enter the title’s details from the Trove catalogue record.
Libraries outside of the WA public library network will usually not loan the following:
- Academic textbooks
- Not for loan items e.g. reference books, print serials, maps, posters etc.
Collecting items
Interlibrary loans are to be collected from the ground floor Welcome Desk at the State Library.
Delivery times vary. You will receive an email when your loan is ready. Items not picked up within seven days will be returned to the lending library.
Interlibrary loans FAQ
What items can I request on interlibrary loan?
Items not typically available in your local public library’s collection or the State Library collection. Remember, restrictions apply to interlibrary lending.
Why are there some restrictions on interlibrary loan items?
The restrictions intend to ensure that materials in public libraries are available for loan by members of the local community.
It is preferable for public libraries to purchase popular titles for their members as it is more cost effective and environmentally sustainable than moving items via interlibrary loan.
What if I am eligible for an exemption to the restrictions?
Please speak to staff at your library. If you are using the State Library’s online interlibrary loans portal, please add a note after your First name
How do I get the items I need if I can't use interlibrary loan?
Please speak to staff at your library. The item you are looking for may be available in an alternative format, such as an eBook, or it may be held in a nearby library.
If it is a title that may be of interest to others in the community, your library may purchase it for the collection.
Your library can also suggest similar alternative titles that may interest you if a particular item is not available.
Can I borrow items from other libraries?
Yes, you can join and borrow directly from any public library in Western Australia, subject to their membership conditions. You will need to return any items loaned directly to the library you have borrowed from.
I am a registered home educator and use interlibrary loans to obtain materials to support my child’s learning. How do I meet their needs without using interlibrary loans?
The State Government provides registered home educators access to educational materials on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website and on Scootle, which is an online resource bank published by Education Services Australia.
There are a number of services that home educators can access – more information is provided on the Department of Education website.
If you need to obtain supplementary materials through your library, library staff can recommend online collections of eBooks and eAudiobooks, suggest alternative titles, direct you to other nearby libraries, or purchase material if it will appeal to other members of the community.
Interlibrary loans fees
The State Library adheres to ALIA's Australian Interlibrary Resource Sharing (ILRS) Code. A complete list of ILRS fees and charges is available.
| Australian Libraries | Core Service | Rush Service (24 hrs) | Express Service (2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books per volume | $34.40` | $62.80 | $85.00 |
| Copies | $22.40 | $44.50 | $67.00 |
| Additional services and charges | |
|---|---|
| Additional 25 pages or part thereof | $5.20 |
| Express post or equivalent for copies and loans up to 3kg | $18.10 |
| $12.00 |
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