Are you looking for something but can’t find it in our catalog? We may be able to borrow it from another library for you through the Library's Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service! You have access to books, DVDs, CDs, scans or copies of journal and newspaper articles, book chapters and more! 

The Springfield-Greene County Library District uses a product called Tipasa for interlibrary loan service. Getting started with Tipasa? You can find some frequently asked questions here!

Who may use Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan services are available to anyone who has a current Library card in good standing.

How do I place an Interlibrary Loan request?

There are multiple ways you can place a request:

• Create a Tipasa account and place requests with the click of a button.

  • If you would like to bookmark the Tipasa login page, please use this link: https://springfieldgreenecnty.account.worldcat.org/account

• Contact the Interlibrary Loan department at 417-616-0529 or ill@thelibrary.org.

• Visit any Library branch or the Mobile Library.

• Through Ask a Librarian on the Library’s website.

Where can I pick up my Interlibrary Loan materials?

You can pick up your ILL materials at any Library branch, drive-up window or the Mobile Library. The 24/7 kiosks and Price Cutter Plus Book Stop are not available for pickup locations.

How long will it take my Interlibrary Loan item to arrive?

Materials are shipped to the Library nationwide through a variety of library couriers, FedEx, UPS and the United States Postal Service, resulting in a range of transit times. While we will do our best to obtain the materials as quickly as possible, please note that it may take a few weeks.

How will I know when my Interlibrary Loan has arrived, and how long do I have to pick it up?

When the book or other materials arrive, you will be notified in the manner you typically receive pickup notifications: email, phone call or postal mail. The item will be held for ten days, after which it will be returned to the lending library.  

What materials are not available through Interlibrary Loan?

All items are lent at the discretion of the lending library, and each library has its own policies. Typically, items published within the last six months, rare or valuable materials, digital books and and digital music are not available for interlibrary loan. We cannot borrow from libraries outside of the contiguous United States. Interlibrary loan requests for items our district owns will be canceled, and a hold will be placed on the first available Springfield-Greene County Library copy for you.  

If a request cannot be filled, you will receive an ILL cancellation notice.

Library Fees – Books

The Library does not charge a fee for books requested through interlibrary loan. We only borrow from free reciprocal lenders to ensure equitable access.

Library Fees – Photocopies and scans

The Library does not charge a fee beyond our base printing cost ($0.10 a page for black and white and $0.50 a page for color) for photocopy requests. We only borrow from free reciprocal lenders to ensure equitable access.

How many requests can I submit at one time?

You can have up to fifteen active interlibrary loan requests at a time.

How long can I keep Interlibrary Loan books?

The lending library determines the loan period and any restrictions concerning the use of the materials. Normally, materials are available for a period of three weeks.

Lender loan restrictions may include "No Renewal" or "In-Library Use Only.”

Can I renew my Interlibrary Loan?

Renewals are granted at the discretion of the lending library. You can request a renewal yourself through your Tipasa account or contact library staff to request a renewal on your behalf. You will be notified when your renewal request is either approved or denied. If an item is not renewable, the title can be requested again from another lender upon return of materials.

What is the overdue fine on an Interlibrary Loan book?

• 25¢ per day with a maximum of $5.

• Books may be returned at any Library branch or the Mobile Library.

• The book band attached to the book should not be removed as it contains the unique barcode associated with your request, which is necessary to properly check in and remove the loan from your account, as well as other essential information about your loan. 

• Overdue, lost or damaged interlibrary loan items may be subject to additional fees set by the lending library. These fees will be passed on to you.

• Repeated overdue items, loss or damage of interlibrary loan materials can result in the loss of interlibrary loan privileges.

We are here to help!

If you have any questions, please contact the ILL department at 417-616-0529 or ill@thelibrary.org. Our office is open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. You can also send questions through Ask a Librarian or contact staff at any Library branch.