Inter-Library Loan
Interlibrary loan is for borrowing books OUTSIDE of the OCLN network.
You can place a hold on items at other OCLN libraries and have them sent to the Canton Library. When you can't find a book in the OCLN network we suggest that you place an ILL request with the Reference Desk staff.

1). You need to have an active OCLN library card in order to request a title from outside the network. The maximum fine amount on your card cannot exceed $5.00 or all activity on your card will be suspended.

2). ILL books are loaned to us courtesy of another network in Massachusetts or Quincy's Thomas Crane Library ILL staff who will conduct a nationwide search for your title.

3). Kindly honor the due date on the item which is fixed when it arrives. Picking up the book days after we receive it only reduces the time that you have to read it. Renewals are not guaranteed and are impossible if you do not request one at least 4-5 days prior to the date due.
Occasionally loaning libraries will not renew under any circumstances and we are required to return the book on the due date. It might be possible to re-request the title though it might take a few weeks to process.

4). Please do not return ILL books to any other OCLN library. Interlibrary loan books are requested at the Reference Desk and are picked up at and returned to the same desk. Interlibrary loan titles are packaged separately from OCLN items traveling through our delivery system and the final paperwork must be handled through the Reference Dept.
By not returning the book to the Reference Dept. you run the risk of being charged overdue charges or replacement of the title if the paperwork is not completed.

5). Missing or lost items require the patron to pay the charge placed upon the item by the owning library. Any book more than 7 days overdue with be considered lost requiring a charge. Frequent overdue books or non-retrieved requests may affect your ability to borrow books through ILL in the future.

6). A maximum of 3 items may be requested at one time. Once items are returned, another group of items may be requested. New items, popular titles (i.e. Oprah books), textbooks, rare/old items, and AV materials might not be possible to borrow. We will make every attempt to fulfill your request if we are able.

7). There may be a charge for items (anywhere from $5 on) to cover processing and postage from the lending library. The reference desk will notify you of any charge before placing a hold on a title.

8). Items are checked for damage upon arriving. Any damage subsequent damage discovered by the Reference staff or owning library may incur costs to the borrower.

9). We may also be able to obtain photocopies of requested journal articles which can either be picked up at the Reference Desk or faxed or e-mailed directly to you. Usual turn around time is from one day to a week or so for items not directly held by the Boston Public Library.

10). OCLN belongs to the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog. From the catalog, you will be able to place holds directly with most loaning libraries in Massachusetts. Please honor the due dates.