bibliotheekkoppelingen

Bibliotheekkoppelingen, often translated as library links or interlibrary loans, are a service provided by libraries to enable patrons to access materials that are not available in their own library's collection. This is achieved by borrowing items from other libraries. The process typically involves a patron requesting an item through their local library. The library then searches for the item in other participating libraries. If found, the item is borrowed from the lending library and sent to the requesting patron's library for pickup.

Bibliotheekkoppelingen significantly expand the resources available to library users beyond the confines of a single institution. This service is particularly valuable for academic research, specialized interests, and for accessing rare or out-of-print materials. The specific procedures, costs, and turnaround times for bibliotheekkoppelingen can vary between library systems and regions. Some libraries offer this service free of charge, while others may impose a small fee to cover administrative or postage costs. The duration for which an item can be borrowed also depends on the policies of the lending library. This collaborative approach among libraries strengthens their collective ability to serve their communities by sharing their diverse collections.