Interlibrary Loan

Can’t find what you’re looking for in the Minuteman Network catalog? You can borrow books or other items through Ashland Library from libraries outside our network. The Commonwealth Catalog allows you to borrow from a consortium of Massachusetts libraries, and Interlibrary Loan is available to you for borrowing items from libraries outside the state. 

Using the Commonwealth Catalog

The Commonwealth Catalog searches all participating Massachusetts libraries in one easy step and allows you to sort your results by material type: books, audiobooks, DVDs.  It gives you access to millions of items from other public library networks and academic libraries* in the state. Once you request an item through the Commonwealth Catalog it usually takes only a few days for Ashland Library to receive it. We’ll notify you so you can stop by and pick it up. You’ll also return the item to Ashland Library.

Commonwealth Catalog items are checked out for 28 days. No renewals are allowed on any items.

Please search the Minuteman catalog first. If the material you want is not available in the catalog, please login to use the Commonwealth Catalog.

Questions?

For additional assistance, please email kdavis@ashlandmass.com.

*The Commonwealth Catalog currently includes all nine library networks in Massachusetts, containing the catalogs of 320 public libraries and 43 academic libraries, plus the catalogs of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Bridgewater State University.

Using Interlibrary Loan

Can’t find what you are looking for in Minuteman or the Commonwealth Catalog? Ashland Library can borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and request magazine and journal articles from libraries around the country. Items generally take 2-4 weeks and articles 1-2 weeks. We will let you know by email or phone when the item arrives.

Before requesting a title through interlibrary loan please check the Minuteman Library Network Catalog and the Commonwealth Catalog. 

If you do not find what you are looking for in those two catalogs, you can fill out this form to request an Interlibrary Loan. 

PLEASE NOTE: Items requested through interlibrary loan must be picked up at, and returned to, Ashland.