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Interlibrary Loan Information for Other Libraries

The information on this page is for other libraries. We also have information on interlibrary loans for VPL cardholders.

ILL Symbols
BVA (Library and Archives Canada); VP@ (OCLC)

Online Catalogue
Search for VPL holdings in our Online Catalogue.

To Place a Request

  1. BC Public and Academic Libraries submit requests using Illume.
  2. For other libraries, requests can be submitted using OCLC/Worldshare.
  3. For those libraries without access to Illume or OCLC, your library may submit requests by email. Include a unique request number or title in the subject line. In the body of the request provide the title, author, edition, maximum dollar amount you are willing to pay and your LAC or OCLC symbol.

Material Not Available for Loan

  • Books published or copyrighted in the current or previous year
  • Special Collections or archival materials
  • Rare books
  • Reference books
  • Periodicals
  • Newspapers
  • Microform
  • Audio-visual materials (DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMs, computer software, computer games)
  • Electronic resources
  • Graphic novels
  • Zines

ILL Policy for Canadian Libraries

Contact Information

Public Library Organisation Name: Vancouver Public Library
Illume (SHAREit) Library Code: BVA
Canadian Library Symbol (LAC) code: BVA
Shipping Address: Interlibrary Loans, Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
ILL contact telephone:
ILL contact email: ill@vpl.ca

General Information

Library Catalogue
ILL Software: Illume SHAREit
Consortia memberships: InterLINK

Loan Information

Returnable Loans: 3 weeks
Renewals: none
Non-returnable copies: print serial/periodical, ejournal, newspaper and book chapter copies/scans via email, article exchange, desktop delivery in SHAREit, Canada Post
Media Loans: only for print-disabled patrons
Not for Loan: Books published or copyrighted in the current or previous year, Special Collections or archival materials, Rare books, Reference Books, Periodicals, Newspapers, Microform, Audio-visual materials (DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMs, Computer software, Computer games, Electronic resources, Graphic novels, Video games, Zines
Shipping/Delivery: InterLINK Courier, Canada Post (Library Book Rate)

Charges/Fees

Loan fees: Free for partner libraries (Illume, UBC, SFU, UVIC, UNBC), Reciprocal fees apply to non-partner libraries (public/academic/government libraries, non-profit institutional libraries), Minimum $10 fee for special libraries, for-profit institutional libraries, and corporations
Photocopy fees: $0 for BC Public Libraries, reciprocal agreements vary, $15 up to 20 pages, $25 up to 50 pages for all other Canadian libraries
Additional fees: if courier service used in place of Canada post - $10 handling fee plus all applicable courier fees
Replacement charges: cost of lost/damaged item (minimum $15) plus $12 processing fee
Late fees: n/a
Invoice payments: Accounting & Finance, 604-331-4010

For USA and International Libraries

Loans

  • USA Libraries - reciprocal rates; minimum $30 IFM (or $35 invoiced); we do not supply material that is readily available from other USA libraries
  • International Libraries - reciprocal rates; minimum US 30 IFM (or 2.5 IFLA vouchers); restricted to Canadian published material
  • Lost material is invoiced at replacement cost (minimum US$15), plus a US$12 processing fee
  • Loan Period: Our standard loan period is three weeks upon receipt with no renewals
  • Delivery System: Canada Post (Air mail)
  • Rush service: $10 plus any courier fees

Photocopies

  • All photocopying conforms to current Canadian Copyright Legislation.
  • Delivery System: Email, Article Exchange, Canada Post
  • Up to 20 pages: $15 IFM or 1.5 IFLA vouchers; over 20 pages: $25 IFM or 2 IFLA vouchers
  • Invoicing fee: Additional $5
  • Rush Service: Additional $10