Interlibrary loan is a term used in libraries to refer to the lending of library materials between two different libraries. The phonetic transcription of this word in the International Phonetic Alphabet is ˈɪntərˌlaɪbrəri ˈləʊn. The word is spelled with a prefix of "inter," which means between or among, and "library" and "loan." The pronunciation of each syllable in IPA is marked by the symbols and marks following the letters, representing the sounds made by each sound. Overall, interlibrary loan is an important aspect of library services that facilitates borrowing and sharing of materials between institutions.
Interlibrary loan refers to a service provided by libraries wherein they borrow materials from other libraries on behalf of their patrons. It is a system that allows library users to access resources that are not available in their own library's collection. The term "interlibrary" emphasizes the collaboration and exchange of materials between different libraries.
Interlibrary loan typically involves the borrowing of books, articles, audiovisual materials, and other documents from one library to another. This service helps to expand the range of resources available to library users and facilitates research and learning by providing access to materials that may otherwise be difficult to obtain. It is particularly useful for academic libraries, where scholars and researchers often require access to specific resources that may not be present in their institution's collection.
To initiate an interlibrary loan, library users usually request the desired material from their own library. The library then contacts other libraries that possess the requested materials and arranges for a temporary loan. The borrowed item is then made available to the requesting patron for a specific period of time. Libraries may charge fees for interlibrary loan services to cover the costs associated with processing and shipping borrowed items.
Overall, interlibrary loan plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of library resources by connecting different libraries and facilitating the exchange of materials among them.
The term "interlibrary loan" is a compound word with roots in the Latin and English language.
- "Inter" is a Latin prefix meaning "between" or "among".
- "Library" comes from the Latin word "librarium", meaning "a place for books". It later evolved in English to refer to a collection of books and other resources.
- "Loan" comes from the Old English word "lǣn", which means "to lend" or "to grant temporary possession".
Combining these elements, "interlibrary loan" refers to the process of borrowing books or resources between different libraries, allowing patrons to access materials not available in their own library.