FAQ - How do I get an item that the Library does not own?

How do I make a request?

First, check our online catalog to make sure that the Library District doesn't already own the item you need.
If you can't find it in the search results in our online catalog, click the Search Other Libraries Using Prospector link in the search results box to see if you could borrow from another local library.
For magazine articles, check our research databases to see if we have the full-text article you need.
If we don't have the item anywhere, click on the Ask Us To Find It link on the search results page, completing as much information as possible. Required fields are marked with an *.
You can always contact a librarian at any Arapahoe Library District libraries for assistance.

Will you purchase or borrow my request?

The Library District reserves the right to fill your request in the manner that is most beneficial for you and the Library District, while still delivering the item to you in as timely a manner as possible.

What kinds of material are usually purchased?

What materials are usually not purchased?

Textbooks or reference sources that provide highly specialized information.
Items that cost in excess of $150.
Material that becomes quickly outdated or that comes in unusual formats.
Foreign language materials in a language the Library District does not support in its collections.
Materials from vendors who normally do not sell to libraries.

Are there materials that cannot be borrowed from other libraries?

Recently published material (less than nine months old).
Specialized genealogical, rare books or historical documents can be difficult to obtain.
Entire volumes or issues of magazines.
Many doctoral dissertations or masters theses.

How many requests may I submit?

Please submit no more than three requests per week so that we can serve you promptly. We will process the first three requests and ask that you re-submit any others the following week.
The total number of outstanding requests you may have at any given time is explained in our borrowing guidelines.

How do I know when materials will arrive?

The average time to process your request is two to three weeks. The time varies according to the availability of the item.
If you request an item that will be published at a future date, we will notify you as soon as a copy arrives. We ask that you not request material more than three months in advance of publication.
You can check the status of your requests online. Go to My Library Account. Items we purchase will show as Holds, and items we borrow will show as ILL requests.

Is there a fee for this service?

ALD does not charge to provide this service.
In some cases, the lending library charges a fee that we must pass on to you. You will be able to indicate on the form if you are willing to pay a fee. We will not borrow from a library that charges a fee if you have not agreed to cover any costs.
Charges for photocopies of magazine articles or historical materials are more common and can sometimes be as much as $21.00.
Charges for lost or damaged items borrowed from other libraries are set by that library, and can sometimes be $100 or more. You are responsible for lost or damaged items, so please use care when handling items.
Charges for lost or damaged items belonging to the Arapahoe Library District are explained in our borrowing guidelines.
Charges for overdue items borrowed from other libraries are set by that library, and can sometimes be $100 or more. You are responsible for any fines for overdue items.
Charges for overdue items belonging to the Arapahoe Library District are explained in our borrowing guidelines.

How long may I keep a borrowed item?

The due date is set by the lending library, but typically is around three weeks.
Please take note of the due date when you receive an item. You are responsible for any fines for overdue items.
Charges for overdue items are set by the lending library.
Charges for overdue items belonging to the Arapahoe Library District are explained in our borrowing guidelines.

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