
international interlibrary loans
International interlibrary loans are services that allow libraries in different countries to share and borrow books, articles, or other materials on behalf of their patrons. When a library doesn't have a particular item, they can request it from a partner library elsewhere in the world. This system broadens access to resources beyond a single institution’s collection, supporting research and learning across borders. The process involves coordination between libraries, adherence to copyright laws, and often international shipping and communication to fulfill the request efficiently.