What if Dayton Metro Library does not own the item I want to borrow?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) allows patrons to borrow items from other libraries in Ohio and around the country. Delivery times vary from a few days up to a few weeks, depending upon availability. Most items can be sent to your local library branch for pick-up and all ILL services are free. Requests can be placed online, in person, or over the phone.
SearchOhio is our primary interlibrary loan service. After searching our online catalog, a link to complete the same search in SearchOhio appears at the top right of the results page. SearchOhio checks other public libraries around the state and is usually the quickest option. OhioLINK is a university lending service available within SearchOhio. OhioLINK can be used to borrow older books, academic books, or textbooks. Requests can be made online for free delivery directly to your local Library. All you need is your Library card. You can easily access SearchOhio through our catalog.
SearchOhio & OhioLINK Borrowing Guidelines
- How many items can I request?
SearchOhio is limited to 75 requests at a time (including active, shipped, received, on hold, checked out, etc.).OhioLINK is limited to 25 active requests at a time. Those requests are included in the SearchOhio total.
- How fast do these materials arrive?
Delivery of items usually take less than 2 weeks. - How long is the loan period?
Most books and audio are loaned for 21 days while movies are on loan for 7 days. Exact dates for return will be on our checkout receipt and can be found under ‘Checked Out’ online. - How long will you hold a delivered item for me?
Items need to picked up from your requested Dayton Metro Library location within 7 days of your hold notice. - Can I renew items?
SearchOhio items and OhioLINK media (DVDs + CDs) will be automatically renewed up to 3 times as long as the owning library hasn’t requested the item be returned. OhioLINK books will be automatically renewed up to 6 times as long as the owning library hasn’t requested the item be returned. - What if an item is lost or damaged?
The fee for a SearchOhio lost or damaged item is $25.Due to the higher cost of academic library items, the lost or damaged fee on OhioLINK items is $125.
- How do I know if my item came through SearchOhio or OhioLINK?
If you have an ILL item checked out, you can determine which service was used by looking at the sticker on the front of your item.
I can't find the item I need on SearchOhio/OhioLink? Can I still get the item?
WorldShare Interlibrary Loan (ILL) searches libraries around the United States, but has more restrictions and items take longer to arrive than using SearchOhio and OhioLINK. You can place a WorldShare request using our online Interlibrary Loan form.