Interlibrary Loan Policies

Borrowing Policies

Users

The Bridgeport Public Library participates in the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) program that permits the Library to borrow materials for its patrons from other libraries. Patrons using the ILL service must have a Bridgeport Public Library Card and have maintained a responsible check-out history.

How to Submit a Request

Patrons may submit a request in person, by e-mail, or by phone.

What May Be Borrowed

Books, audio-visual materials, and photocopies of articles or portions of books may be requested only if the Bridgeport Public Library does not own the item requested or if the requested item is more than two months overdue at the library. Some requests may not be filled due to high demand, the inability to locate an item, or the rarity of the item. A maximum of three items may be requested at a time.

Loan Period

The loan period is designated by the lending library.

Fees

Fee for a typical Interlibrary Loan is return postage. If the lending library charges a fee, the patron will be notified before the request is completed. Postage on any Interlibrary Loan item not picked up by the patron will be posted on their account as a fine.

Lost, Damaged & Overdue Items

Lost, damaged, overdue, or stolen Interlibrary Loans are subject to the lending library's rules and regulations. Charges for lost, damaged, overdue, or stolen interlibrary loan materials, are the responsibility of the borrower and may result in the cancellation of their ILL borrowing privileges.

Renewals

Request for renewal must be made at least three business days before the book is due. A request for renewal is contingent on the lending library granting the request.

Lending Policies

Users

The Bridgeport Public Library will loan materials to all libraries. Anyone wishing to borrow and residing outside the Bridgeport Public Library service area must initiate the request through a library.

What May Be Borrowed

All material may be borrowed except: local history materials, geneology books, periodicals, current best sellers, magazines, and reference materials.

How to Request

Libraries may submit their requests by fax or mail.

Loan Period

Items will be checked out for a period of six weeks. This allows for transit time and a two week check out to the patron.

Fees

The Bridgeport Public Library does not charge for lending materials.

Lost Interlibrary Loan Items
The Bridgeport Public Library will assess a fee on a lost item equal to the replacement cost of the item, plus a $10.00 processing fee. The borrowing library is responsible for the payment of this fee. This fee will go into effect when the material is two weeks past due at the Bridgeport Public Library unless notified by the borrowing library prior to this date.

Photocopies

Up to five pages will be provided free of charge, with copyright limits.