Borrowing from Other Libraries

Having trouble finding what you need? Search other public libraries for materials that aren't available in our collection and have them sent through interlibrary loan to your branch for checkout.

Start with Marina, which searches other Maryland libraries and has no fee for borrowing. If you’re still unable to find what you’re looking for, then try searching OCLC World Cat.

Marina

Use your library card and this free service to request materials from other public libraries in Maryland.

  • No fee
  • Most requests are filled within two weeks
  • You will be notified when a requested item is available at your designated pickup location
  • Materials may be renewed two times

To search Marina and request a title:

  1. Go to Marina. 
  2. Select the Patron button when asked what type of user you are.
  3. Log in with your library card number.
  4. Enter a title, author, or keyword into the search box.
  5. Once you find the item you want, select the Request icon next to the item on the results screen, or select Request This Item on the item's full details page.
  6. Select a pickup branch and select your branch under Borrower.

You will receive a request ID number confirmation and may also receive an email confirming receipt of the request. 

Once the item has been delivered to the pickup location, you will receive an email notifying you that it is ready for pickup on the hold shelf at your designated pickup location. You have seven days to pick up the item.

To check the status of a Marina request:

  1. Log in to Marina and go to Your Account in the upper right corner.
  2. Select Items from Other Libraries to see a list of your current and past requests.
  3. From here, you see the status of each request—whether the material is still being located, shipped to your library, or ready for pickup.

To cancel a Marina request or if you have not received a hold notification for your Marina materials after two weeks from the request date, contact any branch Service Desk in person or by phone.

OCLC World Cat

No luck searching Marina? Search OCLC World Cat for materials from other participating public and academic libraries across the United States.

  • Each item acquired through OCLC loan is subject to a $5 request fee plus any additional costs charged by the lending library.
  • Our Interlibrary Loan staff will contact customers before submitting any request with a lending fee over $10.
  • Most requests are filled within two weeks but may take up to six weeks to arrive, depending on the response time and shipping mode of the lending library.
  • The usual loan period is 21 days, but the length of the loan period is determined by the lending library.
  • Items cannot be renewed.

To find materials not available through Baltimore County Public Library or Marina:

  1. Go to OCLC WorldCat catalog.
  2. Enter a search term and locate the item you wish to request.
  3. Select Cite/Export, Email, Share or Permalink in the upper right of the page to capture the bibliographic record. This record contains information that our librarians will need to make the request for you.
  4. Contact any branch Service Desk to request the material. Branch staff will submit an online request to OCLC on your behalf. Self-serve online requests are not available.

You will be notified:

  • When a requested item is received at your designated pickup location and is placed on the branch’s hold shelf
  • If the library is unable to fill your request

To cancel an OCLC request or to check the status of a request made more than two weeks ago, contact any branch Service Desk in person or by phone.