Top 10 Questions for Interlibrary Loan Assistant (ILL) Interview

1. What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows libraries to borrow materials from other libraries for their patrons. ILL is used to obtain materials that are not available in a patron’s home library, such as rare or specialized books, articles, or other materials.

2. What are the different types of ILL requests?

Physical materials

• Books
• Journals
• DVDs

Digital materials

• Articles
• Images
• Data sets

3. What is the process for submitting an ILL request?

• The patron completes an ILL request form.
• The ILL staff searches for the material in the library’s collection.
• If the material is not available, the ILL staff sends a request to another library.
• The lending library sends the material to the borrowing library.
• The patron picks up the material from the borrowing library.

4. What are the copyright laws that apply to ILL?

• The Copyright Act of 1976
• The TEACH Act of 2002
• The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998

5. What are the ethical guidelines that apply to ILL?

• The American Library Association’s Code of Ethics
• The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Code of Ethics

6. What are the challenges of working in ILL?

• The increasing cost of ILL
• The declining availability of materials
• The need to keep up with new technologies

7. What are the rewards of working in ILL?

• The opportunity to help people
• The chance to learn about new topics
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference

8. What are your strengths as an ILL Assistant?

• I am detail-oriented and organized.
• I am able to work independently and as part of a team.
• I am familiar with copyright and ethical guidelines.
• I am committed to providing excellent customer service.

9. What are your weaknesses as an ILL Assistant?

• I am not yet familiar with all of the ILL software.
• I can sometimes be slow to respond to requests.
• I am still learning about copyright and ethical guidelines.

10. Why are you interested in this ILL Assistant position?

• I am passionate about helping people.
• I am interested in learning about new topics.
• I believe that ILL is an important service.

An Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Assistant is responsible for facilitating the exchange of library materials between multiple libraries. They play a crucial role in ensuring that library users have access to a wider range of resources than what is available in their home library.

1. Processing and Fulfilling ILL Requests

ILL Assistants are responsible for processing and fulfilling ILL requests from library users. This involves:

• Verifying ILL requests for completeness and accuracy
• Searching for and locating the requested materials using ILL databases
• Requesting and borrowing materials from other libraries
• Checking in and processing returned materials

2. Communication and Coordination

ILL Assistants need to communicate and coordinate with staff in other libraries to facilitate loan transactions. This involves:

• Contacting other libraries to verify availability of materials
• Negotiating loan terms and due dates
• Resolving any issues or delays that may arise during the loan process

3. Database Management

ILL Assistants are often responsible for managing and maintaining ILL databases. This involves:

• Creating and updating records of ILL transactions
• Searching ILL databases to locate requested materials
• Generating reports and statistics on ILL activity

4. Customer Service

ILL Assistants provide customer service to library users. This involves:

• Answering questions and providing information about ILL services
• Assisting users in placing ILL requests
• Informing users of the status of their requests
• Resolving any issues or concerns related to ILL

Preparing for an ILL Assistant interview requires understanding the key job responsibilities and researching the specific library’s ILL policies and procedures. Here are some tips to help you ace your interview:

1. Research the Library and ILL Services

Before the interview, take the time to research the library you are applying to, including their ILL policies and procedures. This will give you a good understanding of the expectations for the role and allow you to tailor your answers accordingly.

2. Highlight Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills

ILL Assistants need to be able to communicate effectively with staff in other libraries and provide excellent customer service to library users. In the interview, emphasize your strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

3. Demonstrate Your Knowledge of ILL Databases

Proficiency in using ILL databases is essential for ILL Assistants. During the interview, be sure to highlight your knowledge of ILL databases and your ability to search and locate requested materials efficiently.

4. Share Examples of Your Experience

If you have previous experience in ILL or a related field, be sure to share specific examples of your work. This will give the interviewer a better understanding of your skills and abilities and how they would apply to the role of ILL Assistant.

5. Be Prepared to Answer Questions About ILL Policies and Procedures

The interviewer will likely ask you questions about ILL policies and procedures. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the library’s ILL policies and how you would handle different scenarios, such as requests for materials that are not available or requests that require special handling.