The Sierra Interlibrary Loan (ILL) process is a way for libraries to enter OCLC requests for patrons and track them in Sierra. This process pertains only to OCLC requests. To work with the ILL process, you will need to have ILL permissions granted to your Sierra login.
Video Tutorial
Text Tutorial
- Use the Function drop-down list to select Enter Request, located in the Interlibrary Loan section.
- Use the search box to find the patron via Name or Barcode
- Choose the material type of the item you are requesting. The form includes fields pertinent to the type of item. The options are: Book, Journal/Periodical, Dissertation/Thesis, Sound Recording, and Video Recording.
- Fill in the Request template – Please provide the information for as many of the data elements as you can.
- SAVE THE REQUEST!
- Once saved, the patron’s request will move to the New Request function. The MHLS ILL department will now acquire the material for your patron and send it to you when it is ready.
ILL Request Template Sections
Need by: If the patron has a deadline for receiving the item enter the date, if not click “Next“.
Author: Provide the author or creator of the work.
Article Author: When requesting a single article or work in a publication, include the author of that article.
Title (mandatory)– Include the title and subtitle of the work.
Pub. Place & Date: Date of publication or copyright, particularly if a specific edition is needed. If that is the case include that direction in the “Note” field too.
ISBN/ISSN: Enter the full number
Library Contact email (mandatory): Enter the email address of a staff person who can be contacted in the case that MHLS staff have questions or information.
Library Pickup (mandatory): Enter the library where the patron will pick up the item.
Maximum Amount the patron will pay (mandatory): Many sites that share have fees. We need to know what your patron will pay (or the library) to borrow the item. MHLS will not incur the cost of the loan.
Note: From the toolbar, on the right, locate and click the “insert” button and scroll down to “Note“. Enter any critical data that will assist MHLS staff in finding the appropriate record that has not already been added or any other detail necessary for the successful fill of the request.