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Request (Borrow) material using Loanshark.

  • FREE service from the State Library of Louisiana.
  • Borrow items, suggest material not in the collection, and check the status of those requests.  
  • Browse the collective catalog of all La. parishes.
  • NOTE: Some material may be photocopied in lieu of sending the physical item. 
  • Searching
    • Instructions

      Searching

      • Login to Loanshark.
      • Under Select your library, choose W1CC - Calcasieu Public Library.
      • Enter your username and password (i.e. library card number and PIN).
        • Your account must be in good standing.
      • Once you've found your desired item, click the Request this Item button.
      • Verify information on the screen then click the SUBMIT button.

      NOTE: If you haven't previously registered for a Loanshark account, when you do log in to Loanshark with your library card and PIN, you will be automatically registered. 

  • Request Limits
    • Basics

      Important Notice regarding ILL requests

      • Users may have fifty (50) active requests at one time. 
      • You'll receive an alert when you reach your limit.
      • You may continue to search within Loanshark.
        • If you have reached your limit, you can make lists for yourself that can be requested at a later date.
      • An “active” request starts the moment a request is made, all the way through until the lending library has received the item and checks it back in though Loanshark.
  • Is this service available to everyone?
    • Eligible users

      This service is unavailable to temp users and online accounts that haven't been upgraded to a full service account. It is also unavailable to non Calcasieu residents, unless you have an LSW card and use it in Calcasieu Parish. Your library card must also be in good standing to use this service.

  • Still Didn't Find It?
    • Now what?

      If you've searched the library's catalog and Loanshark, but didn't find what you were looking for, request that we purchase the item to add to our collection. We will do our best to add it.

      • Submit requests by using the Blank ILL Request option within Loanshark.
        • This option is located near the top left-hand corner of the screen. 
      • If you have a library card, login with your library card and PIN to establish an account.
  • Using Loanshark - Online Tutorial
    • Watch this video

      Learn how to use this service by watching this online tutorial.

  • Request Status
    • Note about Request Status
      • Patrons will be contacted when requests are available for pick up at the designated branch.
      • Items must be processed by our Collection Services staff before being sent to the pick up branch.
        • Patrons who log into their LoanShark accounts may see a status message that reads, "The item has been received by your Library." 
        • This means your item has arrived in the parish but it is not necessarily ready to pick up at the branch.