Request Library Materials

Spotlights
Owl reading a book Requesting Library Materials

NAL provides access to the materials in its collection through interlibrary loan. If you would like to borrow a book or obtain photocopies from NAL have your local library submit an interlibrary loan request to us on your behalf.

For information about NAL access services for USDA employees see DigiTop.

NAL accepts interlibrary loan requests from libraries and other organizations in accordance with the national and international interlibrary code and guidelines.

NAL charges a fee for interlibrary loan service.

In addition to this page, also see Common Questions regarding Requesting Library Materials.
Request Options

There are several options for requesting copies or loans of materials from NAL:

  • Links in AGRICOLA
  • Web Form.
  • OCLC (NAL's symbol is AGL)
  • DOCLINE (NAL's library ID is MDUNAL)

Options one and two require login with a NAL ID; see below.

Detailed instructions for submitting requests are provided on the How to Request Materials from NAL page.
Registration

To register for an NAL document delivery login ID:

  • Use the online registration form.
  • Your patron ID and login information will be e-mailed to the address you provide on the form.
  • Registration forms are processed Monday to Friday (except federal holidays) from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm eastern standard time.
  • Have you forgotten your ID? E-mail us or call 301-504-5717.
Delivery Options
  • E-mail Post to Web
  • E-mail Attachment
  • Ariel
  • Fax (limited to 10 pages or less)
  • Mail
Turnaround Time

NAL's turnaround time for processing copy and loan requests is two business days from receipt of request. NAL cannot process requests as a rush.
Loan Policies

NAL’s loan period is 28 days. Renewals may be requested by e-mail or by phone at (301) 504-5798.

NAL does not loan materials outside of North America but can provide photocopies worldwide subject to normal 'fair use' provisions of copyright and evaluation of the condition of the original material.

The following types of materials are non-circulating:

  • Serials
  • Rare books
  • Reference materials
  • Maps
  • Microforms
  • Proceedings of conferences or symposia

When possible, copies will be provided in lieu of loan for non-circulating items.