Only Massachusetts employees may check books out of the library; however, non-state employees can request to borrow our materials either through their public or academic library. We lend to libraries across the United States, with an average of 550 per year. We do not loan out items that fall into the following categories:
- local history
- microfilm or fiche
- newspapers
- books before 1930
- reference materials
- CDs and most videos
- genealogical items
- items from Special Collections
- and items from our Mass Room which includes annual reports from state agencies
- anything that is in too bad of a condition to be shipped
Some books that are requested on interlibrary loan include: Nudge improving decisions about health, wealth, and happiness, A short history of Boston, Give me liberty! an American history, The quest for environmental justice human rights and the politics of pollution, New directions in special education: eliminating ableism in policy and practice.We also scan articles from books and periodicals as long as the request does not violate copyright law (e.g. copying only one chapter or up to ten percent of a book.)
If you are a state employee and want to learn more about requesting books or articles check out this blog on borrowing materials. If you would like to submit a request (and are a state employee) you can email our ILL department directly at interlibrary.loan@mass.gov or fill out a request form on our website.
Naomi Allen
Reference Department