Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about My Requests
- What is My Requests?
- What is Interlibrary Loan?
- What if I need help with My Requests?
- Who is eligible for a My Requests account?
- What may be requested?
- How do I sign up for My Requests?
- How do I submit a request?
- How do I submit a request from the AHML website?
- Where is My Requests on the website?
- How do I submit a request from Worldcat?
- How long does it take to get materials?
- What if I need the material before a certain date?
- How long will I have to use these materials?
- How can I see which items are checked out to me?
- Can I renew materials?
- If an item is renewable, how do I do that?
- Am I notified if the item is renewed?
- Can I see which items I've had previously?
- Why can't I see My Requests activity on my AHML library account?
- What if I lose or damage an item borrowed from another library?
- How can I contact the ILL Department at the library about My Requests?
- Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?
What is My Requests?
My Requests is the electronic system you use to request an item from another library through what the library world calls Interlibrary Loan. This system is separate from your Arlington Heights Memorial Library account (My Account).
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is an agreement between libraries throughout the United States and Canada to share materials by borrowing and lending to each other. If our library does not own a specific item, we can try to borrow it for you. Items that are owned by AHML cannot be requested through Interlibrary Loan.
What if I need help with My Requests?
Any public service desk staff member will be happy to help you.
Who is eligible for a My Requests account?
AHML cardholders in good standing (no fines or fees over $10.00) are eligible for an account.
What may be requested?
- Books
- Videos
- DVD's
- CD's
- Cassettes
- Articles (We request photocopies or electronic documents; not entire issues)
- Microfilm
Libraries generally do not borrow or lend materials which have been published within the past six months.
How do I sign up for My Requests?
All first time users must complete the registration form on My Requests. Simply click on the Register button. For first time users, it is necessary to log out of My Requests, and then log back in before making your first request.
Once you've set up your account you can log on to My Requests with your last name and library card number.
How do I submit a request?
Before submitting a request, please check to see whether AHML owns the item. For faster borrowing or for borrowing items that we own, but are unavailable, consider borrowing the item from a local library (LinkIn).
How do I submit a request from the AHML website?
- Click on My Requests
- Click the type of item you are requesting in the left column
- Complete the form – be as detailed as possible.
- Add any additional information or instruction (edition, language, unabridged version, etc.) in the notes field of the request.Any public service desk staff member will be happy to help you.
Where is My Requests on the website?
Links to My Requests can be found on the following pages:
- My Account
- Catalog
- eTools
How long does it take to get materials?
Allow at least two weeks for receipt of materials. If the library can't get the item you requested, you will be notified.
What if I need the material before a certain date?
- If you need to receive material before a specific date, enter the date in the Not Wanted After Date section on the request form.
- A deadline date does not get materials here any faster, as all requests are processed as soon as possible.
How long will I have to use these materials?
- Photocopies are yours to keep.
- Loan periods are determined by the lending library. Materials are generally loaned to you for two to four weeks.
- Some materials are restricted to library use only.
How can I see which items are checked out to me?
Once you have logged into your My Requests account, click Checked Out Items on the left of the screen.
If an item is renewable, how do I do that?
- Open My Requests
- Click Checked Out Items on the left of the screen.
- Double click on the transaction number of the item you'd like renewed.
- On the next screen click Renew Request
- Your renewal request will be submitted to the lending library, who will respond to us.
- Response time varies, but we usually know within two days. If a renewal is granted, you will see a new due date on that item.
Am I notified if the item is renewed?
If you signed up for e-mail notification in My Requests, you will get an e-mail notifying you of the new due date.
Can I see which items I've had previously?
The history of your My Accounttransactions are available by clicking on History of Requests.
Why can't I see My Requests activity on my AHML library account?
Two different systems, which can't be integrated, are used.
What if I lose or damage an item borrowed from another library?
The lending library determines the cost of replacing a lost item. Some libraries charge flat rates up to $100 for lost or damaged items. You are responsible for paying the replacement cost assessed by the lending library.
How can I contact the ILL Department at the library about My Requests?
- Our email address is illrequests@ahml.info
- You can reach ILL staff at 847-870-4313. If staff is unavailable, please leave a message with your name and library card number and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?
The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use My Requests without any problems.