Interlibrary loan is also called interlibrary loan. It is a lending service mode in which libraries establish a lending relationship and use books to meet the special needs of readers. Interlibrary loan can turn a library's books into national books and even play an international role. It is an effective measure to give full play to the role of library collection and an important means to realize resource sharing, which has become the development trend of lending service. ?

Interlibrary loan is generally limited to books and materials necessary for scientific research, production and teaching, so it is also a good way to serve scientific research. Some necessary rules should be formulated for interlibrary loan, including: the purpose, scope, quantity, method and time limit of borrowing books; Compensation methods for damage or loss of books and periodicals; Rights and obligations enjoyed by both parties.

Interlibrary loan can be carried out not only between libraries in a country, but also between countries, which is called international loan. Interlibrary loan of literature is mainly necessary for readers' scientific research and production construction. The cost of mutual loan is generally shared by both sides of the library, and sometimes readers share part of it. There are usually lending agreements or rules between participating libraries.

Due to the application of modern copying technology and communication technology in libraries, copies or faxes can be used instead of originals in interlibrary loan. The compilation and utilization of various joint catalogues and good transportation and communication facilities are important conditions for interlibrary loan. Some economically developed countries have also established automatic interlibrary loan systems.

Specific methods of borrowing books from the library

The readers themselves or our library use the catalogues of other libraries to find the books and periodicals that the readers need but have not entered the library, and then ask the readers to fill out the application form for interlibrary loan. According to the application, the library puts forward the request for interlibrary loan to the collection library, and informs the readers to go through the borrowing procedures after the books are lent.