Library Information
Reserving & Interlibrary Loaning materials
Reserves
Anytime a title is owned but unavailable at the Rochester Public Library, you can put yourself on a waiting list. This is called "placing a reserve". You can place reserves on titles of all types of material when all copies are checked out and even on titles that are on order. Users may have a maximum of 30 reserves at one time.
You can place a reserve in one of three ways:
- In the online catalog, call up the title you would like to reserve and click on the PLACE HOLD button on the left side of the page.
- For adult and young adult material, call the Adult Services Reserves Department at 285-8016 and ask staff to place the reserve for you. For children's material, call the Children's Department at 285-8012 and ask staff to place the reserve for you.
- Ask for help at any public service desk in the library.
Note: Reserves you make today on available items will not be pulled from the shelves until tomorrow. (Any reserves placed on Saturday or Sunday will not be pulled until Monday).
Interlibrary Loan
The Rochester Public Library can obtain material from other libraries in southeast Minnesota, greater Minnesota, and even other parts of the country. There is no charge for this service.
Typically magazine articles are photocopied and other types of materials (books, videos, etc.) are sent to us in their entirety. The owning library may restrict the amount of time that material is borrowed, and you must follow their guidelines.
You need the following to place an interlibrary loan:
- a valid library card
- specific information regarding the material. You need author, title, and publication information. If you do not have all the information, please ask for assistance.
You may place an interlibrary loan in one of the following ways:
- Check at MNLINK for the title you want.
- Complete the Interlibrary loan form for books not found in the MNLINK gateway or for photocopies
- Ask for assistance. Staff can assist you in placing the ILL. During library hours, contact the reference desk at 285-8002.
How long does it take to get an Interlibrary Loan?
The time varies considerably depending upon whether the material is currently available and where the material is owned. If the material is owned and available in the SELCO region, you will usually get the item in one week. Material that comes from other parts of the state or from another state can take weeks to arrive. Please plan accordingly.
Last updated: 2/26/08
Using Materials
- Getting a library card
- Due dates/loan periods/fees
- Renewing
- Reserving
- Returning
- Suggesting for purchase
- Interlibrary loaning