Can't find what you're after?  

If you can't find the item you're looking for in our collection, you can request to borrow it from another public library through an inter library loan. If the item is less than 2 years old, you may instead request that we purchase a copy.

Inter library loans

Please note, inter library loans are currently suspended until further notice.

Inter library loans are managed through the Libraries Australia - a combined catalogue of Australian libraries, coordinated by the National Library of Australia.

Before placing an inter-library loan request, please search the catalogue to make sure we do not already have the item.

All inter library loans will incur a charge. Please see the table below. We will attempt to borrow your item from another Victorian public library. In the event that it is only available at a state, national, academic or special library, we will contact you before proceeding. 

Special conditions may apply to some loans. We'll make sure to explain these to you before proceeding.

Inter library loan charges

• Inter library loan fees will not be charged at library agencies.
• Late fees will be charged at $1 per day, per item.
• Items ordered but not collected will still be charged. (Please let us know ASAP if you change your mind).
• Charges for damaged or lost items will be set by the lending library. This can be up to $150.
• Items not returned may result in the suspension of this service for you.

Placing an inter library loan request

Please note, inter library loans are currently suspended until further notice.

1. Read the guidelines below.
2. Click the 'place an inter library loan request' button.
3. In the email pop up, please provide as much detail as possible about the item you're requesting (title, subtitle, author/s, publisher, publish date, ISBN, item type (book, journal etc.), language).
4. Please include your name, contact details, library card number and pick up location.
5. Click send. 

By proceeding with the request, you are accepting any charges associated with the inter library loan. If the charges differ, you will be contacted prior to proceeding.

Guidelines for inter library loans

• Only physical items are eligible for inter library loans. Please note that many libraries do not lend AV materials (DVDs, CDs, audiobooks).
• Inter library loan requests can take up to 6 weeks to process. This depends on availability and response times from lending libraries. To check on the status of your inter library loans, please contact your local library. Please don't duplicate your request.
• You can have a maximum of  5 inter library loans at once.
• Inter library loans cannot be renewed unless there are extenuating circumstances. Renewals will need to be approved by the lending library.
• Loan conditions may apply to some items. Eg. Some items may only be used in the library. We'll make sure you're aware of any conditions before proceeding with the loan.
• Please pay for your item on collection.

Contact the inter library loans team

Phone: 03 5447 8344
Email: ill@ncgrl.vic.gov.au

Suggesting a purchase

Before placing an purchase request, please search the catalogue to make sure we do not already have the item.

If a purchase is made, the item will be reserved for you when it arrives. You will be notified by SMS or email when the item is ready for collection.

All purchases must meet our collection management plan. If a purchase is not made, you may request an inter library loan from another public library.

Placing a purchase request

1. Click the button below.
2. Click on 'Suggest a Purchase' under Quick Links.
3. Log in using your library card number and PIN. For PIN help, contact your local library.
4. Fill in the form with as many details as possible.

 For more help, contact your local library.