Inter-Library Loan

Institutional Membership is available for organisations which require the loan of items from our Reference or Lending collections via Interlibrary Loan services. For members of the public who wish to borrow books from overseas, we can facilitate this for you via interlibrary loan arrangements. All cost such as shipping fees are borne by the requestor.

Eligibility Categories for Institutional Membership 

• Libraries in Singapore which are part of the Library Association of Singapore 
• Public Sector agencies such as Singapore Government Ministries and Statutory Boards 
• Non-library and private institutions requests (subject to approval by the National Library Board)

Membership Overview  

• Each organisation is entitled to one membership card that must be presented when staff from the organisation collects the items for loan.
• Members may borrow a maximum of 20 items for 21 days period for both Reference and Lending collections.  
• The standard fees and fines shall apply. 

Queries 

ref@nlb.gov.sg

Submit your request using this form for Interlibrary Loan request for the National Library Board’s Reference Collection.

Apply using this form for Institutional Membership Application.

Summary of collection and return points

Items not available for loan but for on-site consultation

• Autographed books, donors' collections, manuscripts, rare books and items in fragile conditions;
• Microfilms, ephemera and loose-leaf items;
• Reference journals, proceedings, society transactions and other serials such as Encyclopaedias, latest yearbooks and annual reports;
• Reference CD-ROMS; and 
• PublicationSG materials.

Postage costs for overseas interlibrary loan arrangement

Postage and other applicable third-party charges shall be borne by the requestor.