Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Service

The State Historical Society of Missouri's collection is non-circulating; however, an interlibrary loan (ILL) service makes microfilm available to patrons who cannot visit one of SHSMO's research centers (Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, Saint Louis, or Springfield). SHSMO's circulating microfilm collections include:

  • newspapers
  • manuscripts
  • selected high-demand county history books
  • city and county directories
  • land ownership maps
  • periodicals

Fee
1-2 reels, two weeks use

  • $15 within US
  • $25 international

Fee for members
How to Join

  • $13.50 within US (10% discount)
  • $22.50 international (10% discount)
  • $10 direct to member at Supporting Level or above ($20 for international addresses)
  • Free to member at Patron Level or above

Accessing the collections

Providing Citations

To fulfill your request, the interlibrary loan librarian will need exact item citation.

For newspapers a citation includes:

  • town of publication
  • title of the newspaper
  • the date or time period needed
  • the roll number

For manuscripts a citation includes:

  • title of collection
  • collection number
  • folder, volume, and/or roll numbers

For material other than newspapers, provide:

  • title
  • author
  • publication date
  • call number (if possible)

Submit a Research Request

Librarians can use the ALA Request Form to make an ILL request.

Note: Check with your local library regarding ILL policies before submitting your request.

To cover postage and handling costs, SHSMO charges $15.00 to $25.00 (US) per interlibrary loan transaction depending on your membership status, location and billing requirements of your local library. Some borrowing libraries pass this cost on to the patron, others do not. Payment is required in advance.