For Libraries

Interlibrary Loan | Ordering microfilm reproductions

InterLibrary Loan

The Gale Family Library participates in Interlibrary Loan (ILL) on a limited basis.

Information for individuals

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Many libraries participate in Interlibrary Loan services in a cooperative effort to provide research materials to scholars, students, and other researchers. Every day MNHS loans materials to public libraries, universities, and other institutions of learning.

Borrowing materials to view at the library

Patrons can request up to 6 reels of microfilm held at another public or academic library to view onsite in the library’s microfilm room. Borrowed microfilm must stay in the library. To request microfilmed materials, or inquire about making a request, please email ill@mnhs.org with the following information:

  • The name of the institution where the microfilm is held.
  • The title of the microfilm.
  • The location, call number, or reference code of the microfilm to be requested.
  • Any associated reel number(s).
  • Your preferred contact information so that we can let you know when your film has arrived.


Please note that we cannot borrow any other physical materials including books, movies, archival or manuscript items. 

Borrowing Gale Family Library materials to view elsewhere

Individuals should contact their public library to determine their microfilm viewing capabilities and to create an ILL request. Gale Family Library only loans out materials on microfilm. Any microfilmed item can be loaned if we have a master negative of the film. This includes:

  • All Minnesota newspapers on microfilm
  • Many microfilmed manuscript collections and Minnesota State Archives records
  • Most microfilmed city directories, and county atlases

Gale Family Library does not loan any books, serials, audio-visual materials, federal census microfilm, or death certificate microfilm.

Loan period

  • 3 weeks from the date items are received by the borrowing institution
  • A one-time renewal for 2 weeks is available
  • Renewal requests must come from the borrowing institution

Borrowing limits

  • A researcher may borrow up to 6 reels of microfilm at one time and may not request additional loans until previously borrowed films have been returned

Charges**

  • Loan charges** are $3 per reel plus $2.50 shipping for each order

Copies

  • Photocopies or low-resolution digital scans of book chapters or journal articles may be requested through Interlibrary Loan, depending on copyright and the condition of the item. (Note: microfilm is loaned for newspaper article requests.) Limit 100 pages.
  • The charge for copies is $.20 per page** plus $1.75 shipping for physical copies
  • The minimum charge for copies is $2
  • Requests for Interlibrary Loan copies should be submitted by a public library or other institution
  • For photocopies from manuscripts or state archives, see our distance copy request services.

**Individuals should contact their library regarding charges as costs may vary based on the borrowing institution’s InterLibrary loan policies.

Questions

Inquiries regarding Interlibrary Loan policies and procedures should be directed to ill@mnhs.org or 651-259-3315. For information on the availability of materials, search our online catalog or contact our reference staff.

Information for borrowing institutions

ILL requests can be submitted via Minitex, OCLC WorldShare (symbol MHS; IFM payment preferred), email (ill@mnhs.org), or US mail. Invoices will be sent with the borrowed items. Microfilm should be returned boxed and sent via USPS library rate mail to:

Minnesota Historical Society
Interlibrary Loan
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Ordering microfilm reproductions

Gale Family Library can reproduce many reels of its microfilm collection for purchase. These copies may be used for study, teaching, and research purposes only.

Find your microfilm

Newspapers

  • Search the online library catalog by the newspaper’s title
  • Search results can be limited by selecting "Newspaper Microfilm" on the left-side panel
  • Click the desired title in the search results
  • In the record, select the location "Gale Family Library Newspaper Microfilm"
  • On the location page is a list of dates for the title. One line of dates is equal to one reel of microfilm.
  • Specific dates can found by clicking the filter icon, then clicking "Volume" to select a year
  • Please note: We cannot distribute newspaper microfilm to private individuals. For more information, send an inquiry to library.permissions@mnhs.org.

Manuscripts

  • Search the online library catalog by the title of the collection or name of the author
  • Click on the desired collection from your search results
  • Please note: Most records will indicate if microfilm reproductions can be purchased. Or send an inquiry to our reference staff to find out if film can be reproduced.

State archive records

Fill out a microfilm reproduction order form (PDF)

Indicate the titles, dates, or call numbers of the microfilm. Order forms can be emailed (ill@mnhs.org) or mailed.

Cost

  • Reproduction: $90 per microfilm reel
  • Shipping: $2.50 for 1 to 6 reels; $2.50 for each additional 6 reels
  • Payment can be made by credit card or check. Institutions can be invoiced.

Turnaround time

Microfilm reproductions are made at an offsite lab. Processing time from the order date is 4–6 months. Large orders may require additional processing time.