interlibrary loan

noun

1. a system by which one library obtains a work for a user by borrowing it from another library.
2. a loan made by this system.

interlibrary loan

/ ˌɪntəˈlaɪbrərɪ /

noun

1. a system by which libraries borrow publications from other libraries
2. 1. an instance of such borrowing
   2. a publication so borrowed

Word History and Origins

Origin of interlibrary loan¹

First recorded in 1925–30; inter- + library

Example Sentences

They will still be able to access past content that the school already paid for but new content will available as a purchase-on-demand, through an interlibrary loan or document delivery.

From Washington Times

Overdue charges for higher valued nontraditional items like binoculars, snowshoes and interlibrary loan materials will remain in place.

From Washington Times

Maryland Interlibrary Loan Organization, a service of Enoch Pratt Library, allows Marylanders to borrow books from any public library in the state using an online system known as Marina; a fleet of trucks ships materials from one part of the state to another.

From Washington Post

He recalled the way his world expanded when he moved to a prison with an interlibrary loan program, which enabled him to borrow works of poetry by writers like Lucille Clifton, Rita Dove and Sonia Sanchez.

From New York Times

Fees related to lost, damaged, or interlibrary loan materials are not eligible to be waived.

From Washington Times