Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service whereby a user of one library can borrow books or receive photocopies of documents that are owned by another library. The South Dakota State Library mediates ILL for many libraries in SD. Interlibrary Loan is not intended to serve as a replacement for funding and developing your own library. Search SD library catalogs via SD Share-It
- South Dakota State Library Interlibrary Loan Policies
- South Dakota Share-It: Statewide Interlibrary Loan Policy
- Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States - updated 2023
- ALA Interlibrary Loan Request Form
- Interlibrary Loan Listserv
- Interlibrary Loan Policy Examples
- South Dakota Book Club Kits (originally compiled by Stephanie Kaitfors, Grace Balloch Memorial Library, Spearfish)
Is there a limit on how many interlibrary loan requests school libraries may have?
Yes, school libraries have a limit of 20 active ILL requests at one time.
Public libraries have a limit of 100 ILL requests per year.
Can I order multiple copies of the same title?
No, the state library will not process requests for multiple copies of the same title.
If your library is a participating library in SD Share-It,
there is an option to order multiple copies via Share-It on your own.
Is it possible to interlibrary loan an ebook?
Due to electronic licensing restrictions, ebooks cannot be interlibrary loaned between libraries.
I work at a school. Can students or teachers place ILL requests?
Only designated school staff may place ILL requests.
How long does an ILL take?
1-3 weeks depending on if it is an in-state or out-of-state request.
Are there options other than using ILL to obtain materials?
Yes! The State Library databases have many eBook titles and articles available full text. Contact the SDSL for free training!
Can I request a new title?
As a general rule, libraries will not loan new titles. You should be purchasing these for your own collection if there will be great interest.
SDSL will not process any request with a current year copyright date.
If I have an overdue ILL, can I still request more ILL's?
No. The State Library will not process any new requests until overdues are returned to the lending library.
What if my patron loses an ILL book, or refuses to return it?
Your patron needs to pay for the material. If you cannot collect from your patron, then your library needs to settle the bill for the lost material.
The State Library will not process new ILL requests until the matter is settled.
As part of the justification for expenditure of federal LSTA funds, all SD libraries that participate in the SD Library Courier service are required to
submit monthly statistics reports.
Email ill@state.sd.us to request forms in a different format (WORD or Excel).
If you are experiencing courier issues, contact Brenda Standiford.
You must download the statistics forms below to your computer if you wish to have the numbers auto calculated.
Email statistics to ill@state.sd.us.
- Courier Code - updated May 2025
- Courier Label Sheet (One Label or Three Labels)
- Courier Labels
- Items/Copies Borrowed or Supplied (Form to record number of items borrowed and received every month.)
- Courier Statistics Form
South Dakota ShareIt ILL Procedure - learn how to request an item through South Dakota Share-It.
This program is made possible with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding available to the State Library through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).