Commonwealth Catalog & Interlibrary Loan Service

Library patrons who have searched the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) catalog and are unable to locate items have the option of searching the Commonwealth Catalog on the OCLN website. The Commonwealth Catalog allows one to search libraries across the state of Massachusetts. This service expands the search to other types of libraries (e.g. academic, special), so the patron has a broader range of possibilities for his/her search. Patrons are allowed to request no more than five items per library card. Items may circulate for six weeks with no renewals. In most cases, Commonwealth Catalog items arrive within two to three weeks after the request is placed. Search the Commonwealth Catalog.

The Interlibrary Loan Service is an alternative to the Commonwealth Catalog. The difference is that interlibrary loan searches can come from any library nationwide. This service takes longer for items to arrive, but obscure titles can be located this way. Occasionally, the patron may be required to use the material in the borrowing library as opposed to the material being circulated. Items that fall in this category would be census/genealogy information found on microfilm/microfiche, or some rare irreplaceable material. Circulating interlibrary loan material has a borrowing period of two weeks. Some Interlibrary loan items may be renewed. Patrons may email or phone the Reference Department at 781-340-5002 for further information.