Interlibrary loans are utilized in order to bring the information to the people. There is innumerable information available about any given topic, and it is impossible for any singular institution to house everything. Therefore, libraries agree to share their resources so that patrons will have access to much more information than can ever be in one single place.
In order for the interlibrary loan system to function optimally, there needs to be an established operating procedure that is agreed upon by the participating libraries. There also needs to be strong communication between the libraries, and of course the utmost respect for the materials borrowed. There are sometimes fees incurred with this service, and a waiting period to receive the materials can be lengthy. Often times the original text is not sent, but rather a photocopy of the material is sent. These are just some considerations to keep in mind before placing the request.
I see interlibrary loans as the library's version of a business doing what it can to keep the customer happy so that they come back again. It is a service that I have recommended to many others and one that I will continue to use myself. I hope that libraries continue to have the funding nevessary to provide this service.
Here are some links that relate to interlibrary loaning that may be useful to you. Enjoy!
http://www.loc.gov/rr/loan/illscanhome.html Library of Congress's Digital Interlibrary Loan program
http://www.nmrls.org/ill/illcode.shtml The National ILL Code for the US
http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/protools/referenceguide/interlibrary.cfm ALA ILL Code revised 2001
http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/flin/pdf/FLINmanual.pdf Florida Library Information Network
http://www.lib.usf.edu/public/index.cfm?Pg=InterlibraryLoanFAQs USF ILL questions
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