ILL Microfilm Requests
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request a reel of microfilm (or sheets of microfiche) to be sent through ILL?

How long does it take for microfilm/microfiche to come through ILL?

How will I be notified that the microfilm/microfiche has arrived?

How long will you hold the microfilm/microfiche for me?

What happens if I'm not finished with the microfilm/microfiche? Can I get more time to view it?

Why won't some lenders allow a renewal?

Why can't I take microfilm/microfiche out of the library?

Why do I have to pay for some microfilm/microfiche requests?

I got an ILL cancellation notice from the Library. Why?

How do I request a reel of microfilm (or sheets of microfiche) to be sent through ILL?

Before asking for microfilm or microfiche, please check the Library’s online catalog to see if the Library owns the periodical that you are seeking. If not, you may request microfilm or microfiche to be sent through ILL by using the online ILL microfilm/microfiche request form.

How long does it take for microfilm/microfiche to come through ILL?

The average delivery time is two to six weeks. It depends on how many libraries own the item and are willing to loan it, how close they are to the San Francisco Public Library, and how quickly a lender is able to process the request.
If you need to view the microfilm immediately, you can use WorldCat to determine if local libraries in the Bay Area own a copy of it. You are welcome to deal directly with other libraries, but please be advised that you must abide by their procedures.

How will I be notified that the microfilm/microfiche has arrived?

The Library will send a form letter to your mailing address (or e-mail address, if it’s in the Library’s database) when the item has arrived. The letter will indicate that the item has arrived, and will advise you of the return date.

How long will you hold the microfilm/microfiche for me?

We will hold the microfilm/microfiche until its return date, which typically is for three weeks.

What happens if I'm not finished with the microfilm/microfiche? Can I get more time to view it?

In many cases, a lender will allow for a two-week extension for microfilm/microfiche. Please tell ILL staff that you need more time, and an attempt will be made to renew it for you. Please note that only ILL staff is authorized to grant a renewal for an ILL item.

Why won't some lenders allow a renewal?

It may be the policy of the lending institution to not grant a renewal. Since ILL is a cooperative service, SFPL must abide by the loaning institution’s policies.

Why can't I take microfilm/microfiche out of the Library?

Institutions loan their microfilm/microfiche on the condition that it stays in the Library.

Why do I have to pay for some microfilm/microfiche requests?

If a library charges us a fee for the microfilm/microfiche, we will pass that charge on to you. The ILL department will try to find an institution that will process your request without a fee, but sometimes the microfilm/microfiche is only available at a fee-based institution. You will always be contacted first for approval before we send your request out to the charging library.

I got an ILL cancellation notice from the Library. Why?

There are several reasons why a microfilm/microfiche request is cancelled. Among them are:

• the Library actually has the periodical (and issue) you are seeking
• we could not find the title as you described
• the lender charges a fee and you do not wish to pay the fee
• no libraries in North America own the microfilm or microfiche

If you have questions regarding a cancelled request, please call the ILL office at (415) 557-4406.