interlibrary loan

noun

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

Origin of interlibrary loan

First recorded in 1925–30; inter- + library

Words Nearby interlibrary loan

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use interlibrary loan in a sentence

Out of curiosity, and apparently in total innocence, Dundes put in a request on interlibrary loan.
The Real Freud Revealed | John Kerr | November 25, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
The library should refuse to request books on interlibrary loan on behalf of borrowers who abuse the privilege.
The Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC) Interlibrary Loan Manual: January, 1976 | Anonymous
In lieu of numerous interlibrary loan requests, libraries may wish to recommend their readers take advantage of this program.
The Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC) Interlibrary Loan Manual: January, 1976 | Anonymous
Your library is responsible for all books it borrows on interlibrary loan.
The Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC) Interlibrary Loan Manual: January, 1976 | Anonymous
The borrowing library should make every effort to exhaust its own resources before turning to interlibrary loan.
The Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC) Interlibrary Loan Manual: January, 1976 | Anonymous

interlibrary loan, photocopy and reference procedures manual.
The Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC) Interlibrary Loan Manual: January, 1976 | Anonymous

British Dictionary definitions for interlibrary loan

interlibrary loan

/ (ˌɪntəˈlaɪbrərɪ) /

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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