TexShare and ILL

TexShare Cards

Library patrons that are in good standing are welcome to apply for a TexShare card. Your TexShare card makes you eligible to borrow books and other physical materials from more than 500 libraries across the state, including academic and medical libraries.

For more information about TexShare cards, please visit the Texas State Library website or contact us.

Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a free service that allows library card holders access to materials that are not owned by the library.

Please note:

  • Patrons are allowed two active interlibrary loan requests at a time. Requests are active until the item is returned to the lending library.
  • We are unable to request digital items, items published within the last 6 months, or items owned by the library.
  • Items may take 2-3 weeks to arrive and requested items are not guaranteed.
  • If you fail to pick up your Interlibrary Loan request you may incur a $3 fine.

Please email [email protected] with any Interlibrary Loan questions.

How to Request an Interlibrary Loan Item

Access the ILL system through the library’s catalog (under Electronic Resources) or by going straight to the ILL homepage.

  1. From here, click on Login in the top right corner and log into your account with your library card number and password, typically your 10-digit phone number. This is the same information you use to login to the library’s catalog.
  2. Search for the item you want by typing the title or author into the search box.
  3. Select the item you are looking for by clicking on the cover art or the preferred format under the title.
  4. You will see a repeating list of the item you clicked on. From here, click on the cover art or preferred format again.
  5. Review the information under the Details heading to verify that you are looking at the correct title and format needed.
  6. Click on Request This Item under the title’s cover art on the left side.
  7. Enter your email address or phone number in Patron’s Contact 1. The default is an email address, but you may enter your phone number in this same box.
  8. Click Submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may use Interlibrary Loan?

The Interlibrary Loan service is available to all cardholders whose accounts are in good standing.

What can I request through Interlibrary Loan?
  • Physical books, audiobooks, and DVDs not owned by the library
  • Items published more than 6 months ago
Is there a charge for Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan is a free service for library patrons. There may be a $3 charge for items requested but not checked out.

How long does it take?

A requested item should arrive in two to three weeks, depending upon how widely available it is and the location of the library sending it. If you need the item more quickly, you may request a TexShare Card, which will allow you access and checkout privileges to a nearby library that carries the item.

Will I be notified if my request can’t be fulfilled?

Yes. You will be notified by email or phone call if the item cannot be supplied by another library.

How long can I keep ILL materials?

The loan period is determined by the lending library.

How many Interlibrary Loans can I request??

You may have up to two active Interlibrary Loan requests at a time. A request is considered active from the time it is requested until the borrowed item is returned to the lender, which may be a few days after you return the item to the library.

Can I renew my Interlibrary Loan materials?

You may request an extension of the loan period for an ILL item. We ask that you make the request at least 5 days before the item is due.

ILL staff must first request a renewal from the lending library. If the renewal is allowed, ILL staff will notify you with the new due date (this is determined by the lending library). Contact Sarah Salomon at [email protected] or (512) 263-2885 to request an extension of the loan period for ILL materials.

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