Interlibrary Loan
NYSILL Requests
The New York State Library provides interlibrary loan service to New York State government and makes its research resources available to other libraries through interlibrary loan (ILL). The New York State Library accepts interlibrary loan requests only from libraries. (See NYSILL -- New York State Library’s ILL System: Introduction and Directions for Using.)
Newspapers
Newspapers on film (except for The New York Times) may be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan, with a limit of 5 reels per title per request. Newspapers in paper format may be used at the State Library if condition permits. Many newspapers in paper format are stored in another building. Users must request them one work-day in advance of use.
General Public
Within New York State
All New York State citizens have access to the resources of the State Library through their local library or library system. Most books are loaned at no charge for six weeks. Within copyright restrictions, photocopies of noncirculating material will be supplied to libraries within New York State at no charge.
Outside New York State
The New York State Library only accepts interlibrary loan requests from libraries. Books and microforms are lent, when possible, for six weeks. Within copyright restrictions, photocopies of portions of non-circulating materials may be provided.
The New York State Library charges a fee of $20.00 for all filled out-of-state and foreign interlibrary loan requests. Out-of-state libraries and foreign libraries receive no free photocopies. The New York State Library bills for shipping charges for out-of-country requests.
All RUSH requests from out-of-state or foreign libraries will have the RUSH surcharges added on to any out-of-state fees. RUSH charges include a base charge of $25.00 plus additional copying and transmission charges. (See RUSH Request Service and charges.)
ILL Requests may be transmitted to the New York State Library via:
- OCLC system. Our code is NYG. Please enter our symbol twice.
- DOCLINE. Our code is NYUNYS.
- Online form for interlibrary loan requests.
Borrowers: New York State Government Employees and Retirees, Physicians, Attorneys, and Local Government Historians
Registered library patrons who have a borrower's card with a P-card number may make interlibrary loan requests for materials not owned by the State Library:
- through State agency libraries
- by telephone to (518) 474-5355 (limited to three requests)
- by mail
- through a reference librarian at the State Library
- through the library's online catalog
- through the online form
Copies of the forms and additional information about their use may be obtained by calling (518) 474-2274.
Interlibrary Loan Rush Request Service
The New York State Library now offers Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Rush Request Service. Requests received between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be sent by Ariel, fax, or the requested commercial delivery within four hours or less. Requests received between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be sent out by 10:00 a.m. the next work day.
The charge for rush service is $25.00 in addition to other applicable charges.
If the New York State Library cannot fill a request as a rush, it will inform the requesting library by telephone or fax. The request will be treated as a regular request, which is usually filled within three working days or less.
ILL Request Form
Online form for interlibrary loan requests (libraries)