The National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore operates one of the most extensive public library networks in the world, with 27 public libraries, three regional libraries, and the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. With a combined collection of over 8 million physical items and an ever-growing digital catalogue, most readers find what they need within their own branch. However, if you have ever searched for a specific title on the NLB catalogue only to find it is available at a library across the island, or worse, not available at all within Singapore, you may have wondered how to get that book delivered to your doorstep.

The answer is the NLB Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, a formalised system that allows library members to request books, journals, and other materials from other NLB branches or, in some cases, from overseas partner libraries. This article explains how the service works, what it costs, how long you can expect to wait, and how it compares with buying secondhand or from retailers. We also share practical tips for navigating the system, including how to identify items that qualify, how to place a request through the app or website, and what to do if your request is rejected.

What is the NLB Interlibrary Loan Service?

The NLB Interlibrary Loan service is a request-based system that enables a library member to borrow a physical item, book, magazine, journal, thesis, microfilm, or other document, from another library within the NLB network that currently holds it. This differs from the standard Hold service, where you can place a hold on an item that is available at any branch and have it sent to your preferred pick-up library. The ILL service is designed for items that are not available in the NLB catalogue at all, or items that are classified as reference-only and cannot be checked out directly.

Importantly, the ILL service is not free. As of 2025, the NLB charges a non-refundable fee of $5.35 (including GST) per request for local interlibrary loans (within Singapore), and a significantly higher fee for overseas requests, which can range from $20 to $45 depending on the lending institution and shipping costs. The fee covers administrative handling, packing, and postage. Members should note that the fee is payable regardless of whether the item is eventually found or delivered, so it pays to check the catalogue thoroughly before placing a request.

Key Features of the ILL Service

  • Eligibility: The service is open to all NLB members with a valid library card. Non-members can sign up for a card online or at any branch; the basic card is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, while foreigners pay a nominal fee. See our guide to NLB library cards for details.
  • Item types accepted: Books (fiction and non-fiction), scholarly journals, rare books, microfiche, theses, and some audiovisual materials. Newspapers and magazines are generally not included unless they are part of a research collection.
  • Item types not accepted: Items that are currently on loan, lost, or in high demand; items with multiple copies; items that are available for direct checkout from any branch; and items that are less than 12 months old (for newly published titles, the library may prefer to purchase copies rather than borrow from another institution).
  • Turnaround time: Local ILL requests typically take 7 to 14 working days from the date of application. Overseas requests can take 4 to 12 weeks or more, depending on the country of origin and shipping method.
  • Loan period: The loan period is determined by the lending library, but for local ILL, it is usually 3 weeks, with a possibility of renewal if no other request is pending. You must return the item to the pick-up library by the due date.

How to Place an Interlibrary Loan Request

There are two primary ways to place an ILL request: through the NLB website (using the desktop catalogue) or via the NLB Mobile app (available on iOS and Android). The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid a rejected application.

Step-by-Step Guide (Web Interface)

  1. Search the NLB catalogue first to confirm that the item is not available in any branch. Use the search bar at catalogue.nlb.gov.sg. If the item appears but is listed as “In Library Use Only” or “Reference Only,” it may still be available for ILL.
  2. Log in to your myLibrary account using your NRIC/FIN or library card number and PIN. If you do not have an account, sign up for a library card first.
  3. Navigate to the Interlibrary Loan service page under the “Services” menu. You will find a form that asks for the item’s bibliographic details: title, author, ISBN (if known), publisher, and year of publication. Provide as much information as possible, NLB staff use these details to locate the correct edition.
  4. Select the pick-up library from a drop-down list. You can choose any of the 27 public libraries or the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. The item will be sent to that branch, and you will be notified via email or SMS when it arrives.
  5. Review the terms and conditions, then confirm the request. You will be asked to pay the $5.35 fee online using a credit/debit card or via PayNow. Once payment is confirmed, your request enters the queue.
  6. Track your request by logging into your myLibrary account and checking the “ILL Status” section. You will see whether the item has been found, is being shipped, or is ready for collection.

Via the NLB Mobile App

The process on the mobile app is similar: open the app, tap on “Services” or “Borrow,” then select “Interlibrary Loan.” Fill in the required fields, choose your pick-up library, and pay. The app also allows you to upload a photo of the book cover or a screenshot of the catalogue entry, which can speed up processing. However, the web interface is generally more reliable for entering detailed bibliographic data.

When to Use Interlibrary Loan vs. Other Options

Interlibrary loan is a valuable tool, but it is not always the best solution. In many cases, buying the book from a retailer or a secondhand shop may be cheaper and faster. For instance, if you want a recently published non-fiction title that is widely available, you can purchase it from major bookstores like Popular Bookstore, Kinokuniya, or Times Bookstores for around $20, $35, often less than the ILL fee for an overseas request. Similarly, if you are looking for a textbook, you might find it more economical to buy a used copy from campus sales or Carousell than to pay $5.35 for a local ILL that only gives you three weeks.

However, ILL shines in specific scenarios:

  • Rare or out-of-print books that are not available for sale anywhere in Singapore. For example, a first edition of a local author's memoir from the 1980s might exist only in the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library or in a few academic collections. ILL can bring that to your branch.
  • Reference-only items that cannot be borrowed directly, such as old maps, government gazettes, or special collections. Many of these can be borrowed through ILL under strict conditions (e.g., no photocopying, return within two weeks).
  • Journal articles or theses that are only available in print at a university library. NLB’s ILL service can negotiate a loan from partner libraries like the National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries or Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Libraries.
  • Items that are simply not owned by NLB but are held by another library in Singapore or abroad. The NLB ILL team will try to source it from any of over 100 partner libraries worldwide, including the British Library, the Library of Congress, and many university libraries.

For readers who enjoy borrowing ebooks from NLB’s Libby or OverDrive collection, note that ILL applies to physical items only. Digital materials cannot be lent via ILL due to licensing restrictions.

Fees and Charges in Detail

Understanding the cost structure helps you decide whether ILL is worth it. The following table summarises standard charges as of early 2025 (subject to change; check the NLB website for the latest):

  • Local ILL (within Singapore): $5.35 per request (includes GST). This covers up to 4 weeks of loan, plus shipping from the holding library to your pick-up branch. If you lose the item or return it late, additional fines apply (typically $1.00 per day overdue, plus replacement cost of the item).
  • Overseas ILL: $20.00 to $45.00 per request, depending on the lending library’s fees and shipping method. The NLB does not profit from this; the fee reflects the actual cost charged by the overseas library plus administrative handling. Expect longer wait times and no renewal.
  • Photocopying or scanning: If you only need a chapter or an article, you can request a digital copy via ILL. Costs vary, but typically range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a single article, with delivery via email within 5-10 working days. This is a great option for researchers who need specific content without waiting for a physical book to arrive.
  • Cancellation fee: If you cancel a request after it has been processed, the fee is non-refundable. Cancelling before processing may sometimes yield a refund, but it is best to be certain before submitting.

For comparison, buying a new paperback from Singapore bookstores typically costs $15, $30, while a used copy from a secondhand shop such as Basheer Graphic Books or BooksActually can be as low as $5, $10. So for a local ILL fee of $5.35, you are paying roughly the same as a very cheap secondhand purchase, but you do not get to keep the book, you must return it. On the other hand, if the book is out of print and not available secondhand, $5.35 might be the only way to read it without paying a premium from a rare book dealer, where prices can start at $50 and go up to hundreds of dollars.

Limitations and Common Pitfalls

While the ILL service is robust, it has several limitations that users frequently encounter. Knowing these in advance can save you time and frustration.

1. Availability of the Item

The NLB ILL team will search for the item in its network of partner libraries. However, if no partner library holds the item, the request will be cancelled and the fee forfeited. This happens especially for very obscure titles, self-published works, or books that are only held in non-participating libraries. Before submitting, it is wise to check WorldCat (worldcat.org) or ask a librarian whether the item is held by any known partner institution.

2. Condition and Format

Books that are fragile, water-damaged, or extremely rare may not be loanable because the lending library does not want to risk damage in transit. Similarly, microfilm and microfiche may require special handling and only be available for on-site use at the lending library, meaning ILL cannot borrow them. Always check the notes in the catalogue entry for “Condition: Restricted” or “Not available for ILL.”

3. High Demand Titles

If a title is very popular, for example, a newly released bestseller or a book that is part of a reading list, the NLB may not accept ILL requests because they plan to purchase more copies. Instead, you can place a hold (which is free) and wait for a copy to become available. The hold queue can be long; sometimes 10-20 people ahead of you. In such cases, consider buying the book instead; see our guide on where to buy new books in Singapore.

4. Loan Period and Renewal

The loan period for ILL items is typically 3 weeks, and renewal is not guaranteed. If you need the item for a longer period, you must request an extension before the due date. The lending library can refuse renewal, especially if another person has placed a request. Overseas ILL items almost never allow renewal because of the logistical complexity.

Tips for Successful ILL Requests

Drawing from experience and conversations with NLB librarians, here are practical strategies to increase your chances of a successful request:

  • Be specific about the edition. If you need a particular printing (e.g., the illustrated edition of a textbook), include the ISBN. Multiple editions of the same title may exist, and the lending library might send a different edition if you are vague, which may not meet your needs.
  • Double-check the NLB catalogue before submitting. Sometimes a book is listed as “On order” or “In transit” and will be available in a few weeks. If so, placing a hold is free and faster than ILL. Also check whether the item is available as an ebook, if so, you can borrow it instantly from NLB’s digital collection.
  • Use the “Ask a Librarian” service. NLB offers a free online chat and email service where you can verify whether an item is likely to be available via ILL before you pay. This can save you the $5.35 fee if the answer is no.
  • Check secondhand shops and online marketplaces. If you are willing to own the book, search Carousell, Shopee, or Singapore's independent secondhand bookshops first. You might find a copy for $5, $10, and you can keep it forever. For textbooks, the used textbook market is especially strong during January and July intake periods.
  • Consider rare book dealers as a last resort. If the book is genuinely rare and no library in the world is willing to lend it, you may have to buy it from a specialist dealer. Singapore's rare book dealers sometimes have unique collections that include local history and early editions.

Real-Life Example: How One Reader Used ILL

To illustrate the process, consider the case of a graduate researcher at the National University of Singapore who needed to consult the out-of-print book “History of the Chinese in Singapore, 1890-1945” by Lim Teck Ghee (1979). The book was not available in the NLB catalogue except as a reference-only copy at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. Rather than spending hours in the reference library taking notes (which was allowed), the researcher placed an ILL request through his NLB account. He provided the full title, author, and ISBN (9971-72-022-0). The NLB team located a copy at the National University of Singapore Library, which agreed to lend it. The fee was $5.35 (local ILL). The book arrived at the Toa Payoh Public Library after 9 working days. The researcher borrowed it for three weeks, renewed once, and returned it. Total cost: $5.35. Total time saved: multiple trips across the island and hours of note-taking.

Without ILL, the researcher would have either had to travel to the reference library during its opening hours (which conflicted with his work schedule) or pay approximately $80 for a photocopied version from a document delivery service. The ILL route was cheaper and more convenient.

Future Developments: NLB’s Expanding Network

NLB is continuously expanding its digital capabilities and its partnerships with libraries overseas. In 2024, the NLB announced a partnership with the National Library of China and the British Library to improve access to rare Asian manuscripts. While the impact on ILL fees and turnaround time is not yet clear, this suggests that the service will become more effective for users seeking specialised materials. The NLB Mobile app is also being updated with better search and ILL tracking features, expected to roll out in late 2025. These improvements may reduce processing time and make it easier to submit requests from mobile devices.

For now, the NLB ILL service remains a relatively niche but indispensable tool for serious readers, researchers, and anyone who cannot find a particular book in Singapore. Combined with the free library card and the ability to place holds on any item in the network, it makes Singapore’s public library system truly comprehensive.

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