Requesting Library Materials

If a book, video or audiocassette is owned by one of the San Diego County Library branches, you may request this material be sent to your local branch. You may place your own request using the library catalog, or ask a library staff person to assist you in making the request. Requests may also be made online from home or office. There is no charge for this service.

How do I request library materials online?

Library customers can place requests for library materials online if they are customers "in good standing."

Once you have found an item you'd like to request, do the following:

• Click the "Request" button and complete the information requested on the screen.
• Click the "Submit" button to complete your request.

TIMESAVING TIP

If you will be requesting more than one item at a time, login to the "My Library Account" page first. Then, click on the "Search Catalog" button from within your library account. As long as you are logged in, you will not have to type in your library account number and PIN again.

ERROR MESSAGES

If you receive an error screen, please check with your local branch, so that a staff member can assist you.

When and where can I pick up requested materials?

You will be notified when the requested item is available for pickup at the branch you selected to have the item delivered to. Email and print notices are generated the same day or the following morning.

See Request and Overdue Notices for more information.

How do I request materials from other library systems? (Inter-Library Loan or ILL)

The library offers a special service called Interlibrary Loan (or ILL) for books or periodical photocopies not owned by the San Diego County Library, the San Diego Circuit or Link +. SDCL does not charge for this service. However, the lending libraries may charge a fee.

Ask library staff for more information about this service; they can help you fill out a request.

What does the Freeze feature do in My Library Account?

Freezing a Request means that a customer's position in the Request list is skipped over until the customer reactivates ("Unfreezes") the Request for the item. Freezing a Request allows a customer to stay on the Request list while Requests for this item are filled for customers further down on the list.

How can I Freeze or Unfreeze an item I have requested?

Please see Freeze/Unfreeze instructions on SDCL's Technical Support Wiki.