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Interlibrary Loans: How to Request a Loan

Who can request an interlibrary loan?

Registered JIBC Library borrowers can ask Library staff to locate items in other libraries and borrow via Interlibrary Loan. Requests are limited to materials in support of work or studies undertaken at JIBC.

Books are mailed to those who are unable to come to the New Westminster Campus. All others may pick up items at the JIBC New Westminster campus. Scanned articles and book chapters will be forwarded via email.  Requestor keeps (for research or private study). 

Other Libraries

Interlibrary Loans

You can request the item in person or contact library@jibc.ca (604.528.5599). Please send as much information as possible.  Please include your name, (student number if applicable), email address, and, address if requesting material be mailed to you.

  • Books and book chapters: Title, author, publisher, and date of publication.
    • Does NOT include course textbooks.
  • Journal or newspaper articles: Article title, author, journal/newspaper title, volume/issue numbers, date, and page numbers.
  • DVDs: Title, producer/distributor, and year. DVD requests are only for classroom use. Requests must be made by the instructor.

Books: The average wait time is 7-10 working days.

Articles (including newspapers) and book chapters: The average wait time is 1-3 working days.

Delivery times cannot be guaranteed as they are dependent upon a number of factors outside the library's control.  These include location of the lending library, availability of the material and the time spent in transit. 

Books: The time frame varies according to the institution but is generally between 2 to 8 weeks.  On the cover of the book or DVD, a date due slip will be attached.  Please return the item by this date, so that we can mail it back to the lending library (if the item was mailed to you, return it in the pre-paid mailing envelope). 

Should you require the material for a longer period, please contact library@jibc.ca (604.528.5599) to request a renewal.  Loans are subject to recall by the supplying library. 

Articles/Book chapters: These are yours to keep. Material provided through Interlibrary Loan is provided solely for your research or private study.

Please note: For those at a distance, requesting an ILL (in book format) through your local public library is a better option. This will ensure that you get the material directly from your local library.  This gives you a longer borrowing period as the JIBC no longer has to incorporate the shipping time into the due date provided to us by the lending library.

Post-secondary Reciprocal Borrowing

The Council of Post Secondary Library Directors (CPSLD) Reciprocal Borrowing Program extends borrowing privileges to all other CPSLD member libraries for JIBC students, staff, and other eligible borrowers. 

JIBC Borrowers

If you would like to borrow resources from a member library, please keep in mind:

  • You must follow the policies and regulations of the member library (SFU, UBC, Capilano University, etc.)
  • You are responsible for any fines incurred from borrowing resources at a member library.
  • You are responsible for returning items to the member library.  JIBC Library will not return these items for you.

If you’d like a CPSLD Reciprocal Borrowing card, please bring your ID to a Library staff member.