ILL Policy
Interlibrary loan (ILL) service allows a user of one library to borrow library materials from another library. The Montana State Library (MSL) adheres to the principles endorsed in the ALA Interlibrary Loan Code, U.S. Copyright Law, the CONTU guidelines on journal articles, and state laws governing confidentiality of records.
If you have any questions, please email MSLLoan@mt.gov or call 406-444-5352.
State employees or state agency contractors with a Montana State Library card may submit ILL requests for work-related materials. Other patrons may request ILL services through their local public library.
- Click here to submit an article request
- Click here to submit a book request
- Click here to request medical articles using PubMed (tutorial here)
- Email a request (please include as much information as possible)
MSL attempts to process all ILL requests within one business day. Rush requests are accommodated as resources allow. Due to shipping uncertainties, please allow two to three weeks to obtain physical materials.
Most ILL items are available free of charge. However, if charged by a lending library, MSL will pay a maximum of $20 for any ILL request. If an ILL item is lost or damaged, the patron will be responsible for any bills charged by the lending library.
Books, journal articles, maps, theses, and dissertations can all be requested. However, the below items cannot be obtained through ILL:
- Books published within the last year
- Materials not related to the performance of state agency work
- Materials limited by license agreements
- Ebooks and eaudiobooks
- Entire journals/magazines
- Equipment, hardware, and software
- There is no limit to the number of ILL requests.* (Within the guidelines referenced above.)
- Availability of ILL depends on other libraries and is not guaranteed.
- The lending library sets the loan period and any restrictions on materials.
- Materials will be mailed unless otherwise specified.
- Renewal requests may be made by phone or email.
- Materials must be returned to MSL by the due date.
- Lost, late, or damaged materials jeopardize MSL's borrowing privileges.
Montana State Library
P.O. Box 201800
1201 11th Avenue
Helena MT 59620-1800
406-444-3115
mslreference@mt.gov
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday
- MSL Catalog
- Interlibrary Loans
- Library Card Application
- Research Resources
- Federal Government Information
- State Government Information
- Geographic Information
CONTACT US:
- PO Box 201800, or
1201 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59620 - Hours: Monday-Friday
8AM-5PM
- Phone: (406) 444-3115
Toll Free: (800) 338-5087
TTY: Montana Relay 711 - Accessibility Statement
- Email: View Directory