How to Be Interlibrary Loan Librarian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Interlibrary Loan Librarians are responsible for making sure that patrons have access to the materials that they need. This requires them to coordinate the transfer of books, articles, and other documents between libraries. When a patron requests a book or article from another library, the Interlibrary Loan Librarian must contact the lending library and arrange for the item to be shipped.

By doing this, they ensure that patrons have access to the resources that they need, even when it is not available at their home library. As a result, patrons can access information from many different sources and benefit from diverse perspectives and knowledge. Interlibrary Loan Librarians help to promote collaboration between libraries and create an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an Interlibrary Loan Librarian is to earn a bachelors degree in library science or a related field. Library science programs focus on the management and organization of library collections, and include courses in cataloging and classification, library administration and research methods.
Obtain Certification. After earning a bachelors degree, aspiring Interlibrary Loan Librarians may consider obtaining certification in library science from the American Library Association (ALA). ALA certification, which requires the successful completion of an exam, demonstrates knowledge of library principles and techniques, and can help enhance job opportunities.
Gain Experience. To become an Interlibrary Loan Librarian, it is important to gain experience working in libraries. This can be done through internships, volunteer positions, or by working part-time or full-time as a librarian. Working in a library can provide valuable insight into the field and can help aspiring Interlibrary Loan Librarians gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the profession.
Obtain a Master's Degree. To increase employment opportunities, some Interlibrary Loan Librarians choose to pursue a masters degree in library science or a related field. A masters degree in library science provides advanced coursework in topics such as information technology, library administration, and research methods.
Apply for Interlibrary Loan Librarian Jobs. After gaining experience and obtaining the necessary education, aspiring Interlibrary Loan Librarians can begin applying for jobs. Many employers seek Interlibrary Loan Librarians with ALA certification and a masters degree in library science.

Interlibrary loan librarians are essential to the success of libraries, as they provide patrons with access to materials that may not be available in the local library. By connecting patrons to other libraries, interlibrary loan librarians provide access to a larger collection of resources, which can significantly enhance the quality of research and learning. This benefit comes at a cost however, as interlibrary loan librarians must be knowledgeable in interlibrary loan procedures and able to effectively communicate with other libraries.

Furthermore, they must be experienced in using the latest technologies, such as online databases, to ensure efficient and effective searches. All of these skills are necessary for a successful interlibrary loan librarian, and an ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands is also essential.

You may want to check Digital Asset Manager, Library Intern, and Systems Librarian for alternative.

Job Description

Manage interlibrary loan requests from patrons and other libraries
Monitor and manage incoming and outgoing interlibrary loan requests
Respond to inquiries from patrons and colleagues regarding interlibrary loan services
Maintain communication with other libraries regarding interlibrary loan requests
Assist patrons in selecting appropriate resources for their interlibrary loan requests
Monitor and update online databases of available interlibrary loan materials
Manage Interlibrary Loan budget, expenditures, and invoices
Develop and implement policies and procedures related to interlibrary loan services
Maintain record-keeping systems for tracking interlibrary loan requests
Provide training and support to library staff in Interlibrary Loan services
Participate in library-wide projects and initiatives related to interlibrary loan services
Remain current on trends and developments in Interlibrary Loan services

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of interlibrary loan services and procedures.
Experience with library cataloging and classification systems.
Proficiency in using library databases and other online resources.
Excellent customer service skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with other library staff and patrons.
Ability to prioritize tasks and multitask efficiently.
Knowledge of copyright laws and regulations.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Working knowledge of computer hardware, software, and network operations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patron information and records.

Interlibrary Loan Librarians play a key role in connecting users to information and resources that may not be available in their local library. As such, the most important skill for Interlibrary Loan Librarians to have is the ability to research, locate, and access materials held in distant libraries. This requires a thorough knowledge of cataloging and classification systems, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the interlibrary loan process.

Interlibrary Loan Librarians must be adept at problem-solving and possess excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with patrons and other libraries. By leveraging these skills, Interlibrary Loan Librarians are able to better connect people with the resources they need for their research and personal development.

Reference Librarian, Adult Services Librarian, and Technical Support Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in Interlibrary Loan?
How would you prioritize requests while managing a busy workflow?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and timely delivery of requested materials?
How have you managed difficult patron requests?
Describe your experience working with vendors to source materials.
How comfortable are you with using different ILL systems?
How do you handle copyright restrictions when processing requests?
What strategies do you use to stay organized when managing multiple requests?
Describe your experience training staff on interlibrary loan practices.
How do you ensure that all requests are tracked and documented properly?

Common Tools in Industry

ILLiad Interlibrary Loan Management System. A web-based platform for managing interlibrary loan requests, tracking fulfillment, and reporting. (eg: University of Michigan Library)
WorldShare ILL. An integrated library system for managing interlibrary loan requests, tracking fulfillment, and reporting. (eg: University of Virginia Library)
OCLC ILLINET. A network of libraries that share materials and collaborate on interlibrary loan requests. (eg: University of Wisconsin-Madison Library)
VuFind. An open source software tool designed to enable users to search and access library collections. (eg: Harvard University Library)
Automated Resource Sharing System (ARSS). A software system developed by OCLC that allows libraries to manage interlibrary loan requests and document delivery. (eg: New York Public Library)
ISAAC. A web-based service that facilitates interlibrary loan transactions between library partners by automatically routing requests, tracking fulfillment, and managing delivery. (eg: McGill University Library)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Library Association (ALA)
Medical Library Association (MLA)
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
International Association of Interlibrary Loan Librarians (IAILLL)
National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM)
Music Library Association (MLA)
Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA)

We also have Library Volunteer, Library Security Officer, and Preservation Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Interlibrary Loan. A service that allows patrons of one library to borrow materials from another library.
Borrowing Library. The library that is requesting materials from another library.
Requesting Library. The library that is providing the materials to the borrowing library.
Copyright Law. A set of laws governing the use of copyrighted materials.
Book Recalls. The process by which a borrowing library can request an item to be returned by its user.
Library Loan Periods. The length of time a patron is allowed to keep a loaned item from a library.
Digital Resources. Electronic copies of materials, such as ebooks and digital journals, that can be accessed by patrons from any location.
Delivery Services. Services that provide delivery of materials between libraries, such as mail, courier, or other transportation services.
Resource Sharing Networks. Networks that allow libraries to share resources, such as catalogs, databases, and other digital resources.
ILLiad Software. A software system used by interlibrary loan librarians to manage interlibrary loan requests and requests for digital resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Interlibrary Loan Librarian? A1: An Interlibrary Loan Librarian is responsible for managing interlibrary loan services, which involves borrowing materials from other libraries and providing library patrons with access to items not available in the local collection. Q2: What are common duties of an Interlibrary Loan Librarian? A2: Common duties of an Interlibrary Loan Librarian include ordering and receiving materials from other libraries, tracking loan requests, preparing and shipping loan materials, resolving any loan-related issues, and maintaining accurate records. Q3: How many requests does an Interlibrary Loan Librarian typically process in a month? A3: The number of requests processed by an Interlibrary Loan Librarian varies depending on the size of the library and the number of patrons requesting materials, but it can range from several dozen to several hundred requests per month. Q4: What qualifications are needed to become an Interlibrary Loan Librarian? A4: To become an Interlibrary Loan Librarian, individuals must typically possess a master's degree in Library Science or Information Studies, as well as experience in cataloging, reference services, and collection development. Q5: What skills are necessary to be successful as an Interlibrary Loan Librarian? A5: To be successful as an Interlibrary Loan Librarian, individuals must have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as excellent knowledge of library resources and policies. They must also be proficient in using library software and databases.

Web Resources

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) | Herman B Wells Library libraries.indiana.edu
Interlibrary Loan Services | Penn State University Libraries libraries.psu.edu
Request an Interlibrary Loan - University Libraries | University of ... www.sc.edu