The Library

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Through the Library's interlibrary loan service, books and other materials may be borrowed from other libraries. You may also request photocopies of materials such as magazines and some materials reproduced in microform such as newspapers. Photocopy requests are filled in accordance with copyright law.

Local history and genealogy materials (such as census schedules, county histories, court records, family genealogies, and newspapers) are not readily accessible through regular interlibrary loan channels. These materials are often in microform or require special handling. Therefore, requests for these materials are processed through the Local History and Genealogy section of the Springfield-Greene County Library.

Who May Use Interlibrary Loan?

Anyone with a current library card, $5.00 or less in fines and no more than 3 overdue books may request photocopies or materials through interlibrary loan.

How Does The Interlibrary Loan Process Work?

Contact the Local History department at (417) 616-0534 to request the loan of local history and genealogy materials.

When the microform or book arrives, you will be notified by mail. Microfilm and microfiche items must be used in the Local History department. Because lending libraries determine any conditions restricting the use of their materials, limitations such as "In-Library Use Only," special due dates or "No Photocopying" must be honored.

How Many Requests Can I Make At One Time?

For Microfilm:

A maximum of two orders (which may include one or two rolls) for the following materials. Postage and insurance costs of $1.00 per roll are charged.

• Federal Census Schedules (1790-1930)
• Soundex for states other than Missouri
• Missouri Newspapers

A maximum of five orders (which may include one or two rolls) for the following materials. Charges may range from $1.00 to $5.00 per roll, depending on charges assessed by the lending institution.

• *County Court Records
• Manuscripts
• Military Records
• *Out-of-state Newspapers
• Passenger Ship Records
• *State Census Schedules

* These materials are not available for all states

For Other Materials:

You are limited to five active requests for books and/or 20 active requests for photocopies (through Interlibrary Loan Department and/or the Local History Department) at one time. Transactions already in process cannot be canceled to request an additional item.

Photocopies of Federal census are $1.00 each, with a limit of five requests in process at one time. A $2.00 fee will be charged for each article.

Are There Any Other Fees?

Most lending libraries also require that their materials be returned via insured mail. Patrons are expected to pay any fees charged by lending institutions and return postage and insurance costs.

How Long Can I Keep Interlibrary Loan Materials?

The loan period is determined by the lending library. Microfilm from Mid-Continent Public Library or the State Historical Society of Missouri is kept one week. Other materials are usually kept from two to four weeks. Renewals are only done when allowed by the lending institution.

What Is The Overdue Fine On an Interlibrary Loan Book?

The fine is 25¢ per day with a maximum of $5. Books requested through the Local History department must be returned to the Local History department. Do not remove the sleeve attached to the book. Microfilm will be returned on the date indicated and any unpaid fees charged to the individual's library card.

What About Family Histories?

Most libraries will not loan genealogy materials. We suggest that you search the surname catalog at the Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 1357 South Ingram Mill Road , (417) 887-8229. Many genealogies have been microfilmed by the Church and are available on loan through their Family History Center.

What Other Sources Exist?

Many genealogical materials are also available from Mid-Continent Public Library, the State Historical Society of Missouri, and Saint Louis Public Library. Copies of their catalogs are available in the Local History Department. Over 25,000 family and local history books, every word searchable, are available through HeritageQuest Online.

If you are unable to obtain the book you want through either of these sources, we can provide the names of libraries who may own this book, or you may use Worldcat to search for books and other materials owned by libraries worldwide. We request that you contact these institutions to determine if they will loan the item or can provide the names of researchers. If an institution agrees to loan the material, a request may then be processed through the Local History department.