INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Interlibrary Loan



 The interlibrary loan service is restricted to Frankfort Library patrons only. Frankfort Public Library requests and sends items throughout the SWAN catalog which includes over 80 public libraries. If an item is not on the shelf at the Frankfort Public Library District, patrons can request the item with the help of the library staff or do it online through the Swan Catalog http://swan.mls.lib.il.us/search/. 





Requesting Items in the SWAN Catalog

Frankfort Library card holders may place holds or request items through Inter-Library Loan (ILL) via the SWAN catalog. Before you begin, you will need:
  1. The 14-digit bar code number from the back of your Frankfort Public Library Card (begins with 21203…)
  2. Your SWAN catalog PIN

  • Your PIN is 4-5 digits long and can be made up of letters or numbers. First time users should enter the combination of characters that they would like to use as their PIN. They will be prompted to re-enter their PIN twice more to confirm.
  • If you forgot your PIN you can click on the “Forgot PIN” link. You will be prompted to enter your name and library barcode into the system. An email with your PIN information will be sent to the email account that we have on record.
  • If you do not have an email account registered with us, you can call the Library Circulation Desk (815-469-2423 ext. 2) and ask to have your PIN number reset.

To request an item using the SWAN catalog:
  1. Go to http://swan.mls.lib.il.us/search/ and type in the title of the item to be requested.
  2. Click on the record of the item to be requested, and then click the “Request” button.
  3. Type the patron name, Frankfort Library card number, and PIN.
  4. Requested items typically arrive in 5-7 business days, but may take longer depending on how many holds are in the system.
  5. Patrons will be notified by email (default) or telephone.

Picking up your requested items:
  1. Requested items typically arrive in 5-7 business days, but may take longer depending on how many holds are in the system.
  2. Patrons will be notified by email (default) or telephone.
  3. Items must be picked up within 7 days of arrival at Frankfort Library. Items that have not been claimed after 7 days will be returned to the owning library, and must be re-requested.
  4. Pick up your item at the Hold Shelves located near the library doors near the circulation desk. Items will be shelved alphabetically by the patrons’ last names.
  5. When you locate your items, please take them to the Circulation Desk to be checked out or use the self check machines.

Why was my request denied?

“There is a problem with your library record.” If you see this message, it means that your request cannot be placed due to a problem with your patron record. Your library card may have expired, or you may have fines in excess of $5.00. Please call the library at (815) 469-2423 to resolve the problem.

“This item is already on hold or checked out to you.” The system will not allow you to place a hold if you currently have the item checked out. You can use the “My Account” link to view your patron record and see a list of items that are currently checked out on your card, as well as items that have been requested.

“No items requestable.” Some libraries do not send their items out on interlibrary loan. If you see this message, please call the library at (815) 469-2423, and a staff member will assist you.

Requesting Items Outside of SWAN


If our library system does not have the item we can also try to get it from other Illinois libraries and/or libraries from around the country using World Cat, http://www.worldcat.org.

Because these items are requested from libraries around the country, it can take several weeks for a requested item to arrive. We cannot guarantee that a library who owns the item will be willing to send it out for inter-library loan.

There is a $3.00 fee for items from outside the state of Illinois to pay for shipping.

Requests for items through World Cat must be placed by a member of the Frankfort Public Library staff. Please contact the library at 815-469-2423 for assistance.