1. INFO Network Participation Performance Standards
   
   It is recognized that performance standards exist for the efficient and effective operation of the network and for the provision of excellent service to library users. At minimum, it is expected that:
   • lending libraries will check incoming activity every working day. This facilitates the expeditious processing of ILL transactions.
   • libraries have sufficient trained staff to provide the ILL lending function every working day.
   • libraries change status of incoming requests to borrow within 2 working days of receipt
     
     
2. Types of Materials
   
   All types of materials, at all intellectual levels, may be requested on interlibrary loan. Lending libraries may decide to place restrictions on the use of specific items or to refrain from the loan of whole classes of materials. When and where appropriate, copies both print and electronic may be requested in lieu of loan. Copies are not normally intended to be returned by the borrowing library to the lender.
   
   Although all libraries are encouraged to loan all media, types of materials which may have restrictions or be unavailable include:
   • rare, fragile and/or valuable books and manuscripts, for example:
     • 19th century or earlier imprints
     • limited editions
   • microfilm
   • books in current and/or recurring demand, for example:
     • bestsellers
     • course and project materials
   • current editions of standard reference materials, for example:
     • directories
     • dictionaries
     • genealogical indices
     • encyclopaedia
   • materials in format or size not suitable for loan, for example:
     • kits
     • loose-leaf materials
     • pop-up books
   • entire issues of periodicals
     
     
3. Bibliographic information
   
   The requesting library should transmit all interlibrary loan requests in standard bibliographic format in accordance with CLA/ALA request forms.
    
4. Number of Requests per patron
   
   There is no maximum number of requests per patron. It is the responsibility of the borrowing library to monitor the number of requests in the system for an individual, based on the type of material being requested.
   
   Some lending institutions (eg. The National Archives of Canada , Archives of Ontario) reserve the right to limit the number of requests received per institution per day.
    
5. Shipping
   
   Libraries will send materials promptly, packaged to provide adequate protection. i.e. padded bags, OLS ILL bags, microfilm boxes and appropriately labeled envelopes.
   
   The borrowing library should provide the lending library with the exact shipping destination required. Full address including the telephone number should be included.
    
6. Loan Period
   
   The loan period for each item should be indicated clearly and any restrictions to the loan, such as "In Library Use Only" noted prominently by the lending library.
   
   It is the borrowing library's responsibility to ensure that material is returned to the lending library at the end of the loan period, and to adhere to any loan restrictions. Renewal, if permitted, must be arranged before the due date. The supplying library may recall materials at any time.
    
7. Receipt of Materials
   
   It is the borrowing library's responsibility to ensure that any special instructions for use, handling or shipping are followed. Any obvious damage must be noted on the packing slip. The requesting library is responsible for materials from the time they leave the lending library until they have been returned.
    
8. Return of Materials
   
   Items returned by users should be checked against any note of condition made at time of receipt, to ensure they have not been damaged. Printed slips that help trace the item should be returned with the material.
   
   Packing and shipping methods must be equivalent to the methods used by the lending library. Arrangements may be made with the lending library to return items by different means, e.g. RUSH ship by commercial courier, return by van.
    
9. Non-receipt of Materials
   
   A status report may be requested by the requesting library after a reasonable amount of time has elapsed from the date the request was initiated. It is the borrowing library's responsibility to check for the arrival of material, once notified of shipment by the lending library.
    
10. Lost or Damaged Materials
    
    Material becomes the responsibility of the borrowing library from the time it leaves the lending library's premises until checked back in by the lending library, regardless of the method of shipment. The requesting library is responsible to report the loss of borrowed items. Any obvious damage should be noted on the request form.
    
    If lost material is not found within the time allotted by the lending library, charges should be paid as quickly as possible. This may include replacement, processing and service charges levied by the lender.
     
11. Photocopying and Damage
    
    Lending libraries may instruct "Copying not Permitted" on a packing slip. This instruction must be passed on to the patron. The borrowing library is responsible for any damage resulting from photocopying.
    
    The requesting library must ensure compliance with the Copyright Act of Canada. All responsibility for the use of any copies made is assumed by the requesting library.
     
12. Service, Fax and Photocopying Charges
    Borrowing libraries are responsible for service, photocopying, faxing and/or printing charges incurred through transactions with charging institutions. Charges are incurred by the OLS Interlibrary Loan Service only with the authorization of requesting libraries.
    

INFO Participation Policies
Schedule A - List of Participating Libraries
Schedule C - Equipment Settings & Specifications (Not yet available)
Schedule D - Delivery Process (Not yet available)
Schedule E - Complaint Process (Not yet available)