Southern Ontario Library Service

Interlibrary Loan mediation services for non-network libraries

These instructions are for staff in Ontario public libraries that do not use a login account on the VDX system to fully manage all aspects of interlibrary loan requesting and lending.  If a library is not lending and/or has a modest demand for interlibrary loan it is more efficient to use the zPortal interface to VDX and submit requests for ILL mediation services.  On average 15-25 requests per month (200 per annum) is considered modest.

Guidelines for submitting Interlibrary Loan requests

Searching INFO online to verify your request

You can use INFO online to search and then copy and paste bibliographic details into an email to SOLS staff for requesting on your behalf.  Please contact Linda Langedijk if you require assistance learning how to do this.

1. INFO online is found at: http://info.vdxhost.com/en/vdx/.  Your browser will load the INFO welcome screen.  It is not necessary to sign in with a username and password.
    
2. Select BibSearch to perform a Standard Search as a guest (login not required).  You can also use an Advanced Search link at the top of the screen to narrow down the search with Boolean operators.  See bib searching tips.
    
3. Select the search profile (groupings of libraries) from the Current Profile list that you would like to search.  Start with the profile that closest represents your geographic proximity.  For instance, if you are a library in the OLS-North you would select that profile to start with.  If you find what you want you need never select a different profile.  INFO will automatically add all possible locations to the request once it is submitted into the system even if the bib hit you found has only a few locations.
   
   
    
4. Type your search terms in the Search for field, and click on the Submit button. 
    
5. Browse the Search Results page, and click on the Details link to see the full bibliographic details. Only the bibliographic details need to be copy-pasted into an email to SOLS staff.  Do not copy-paste the library locations.
    
6. If your search does not produce the desired results, repeat it with an alternate profile from the list.

Method of sending requests to SOLS

Requests can be faxed to 416-961-5122, attention ILL Dept.  Requests may also be emailed to SOLS.   Send to Email:  Please indicate your library name clearly on the request. The Subject line should read:  ILL request from xxxx Public Library as in this example.  

If you have not received an item or have not received an Unfilled ILL update email from SOLS within 2-4 weeks from the date submitted to SOLS, please contact us to follow up.  If you need a renewal on the loan period or wish to cancel a request please contact us.

Your SOLS ILL Unit staff contact is:  Linda Langedijk