Libraries Very Interested in Sharing (LVIS) is a group of more than 2,400 libraries committed to supplying resources free of charge among its members through the OCLC resource sharing network.
Members include all types and sizes of libraries, and any library that would like to participate in this reciprocal group is encouraged to Join LVIS.
1. Maintain holdings in WorldCat.
2. Ensure OCLC Supplier status is set to Yes in the OCLC Policies Directory, except when your ILL service is temporarily unavailable.
3. Provide loans and copies to all LVIS members at no charge.
For additional details, refer to the best practices and FAQs.
You do not need to be able to supply every item or format in your library's collection to participate in LVIS.
LVIS member listing
For a list of current LVIS members, search the OCLC Policies Directory for Group Symbol: LVIS. For instructions, see Search the Policies Directory.
To view all symbols, click the Display Symbols button at the top of the list.
Joining LVIS: There is no charge to join LVIS. To request that your library’s symbol be added to the group, email oclcresourcesharing@oclc.org. Include the name and email address of the contact person(s) for your ILL department.
Maintaining membership in LVIS: By participating in LVIS, your library is expected to supply free loans and copies to other LVIS members according to the rules for participation and best practices described above. Your symbol will be removed from LVIS if you do not supply any items for free to another LVIS member for 6 months. If you believe your symbol was removed in error, email oclcresourcesharing@oclc.org.
Can LVIS members charge other LVIS members? No, LVIS members must provide loans and copies to all LVIS members at no charge. Lending for free only within your consortium, state, or region does not meet the rules for participation. The only exception is when the borrowing library accepts a conditional response to pay or offset shipping costs.
Can LVIS members go non-supplier? Yes, for temporary closures such as holidays or short-term staffing issues.
Must our library supply audio visual (AV) formats? No, but clearly state your policies or limitations in the OCLC Policies Directory.
What if our library’s policy is "we charge what you charge"? You may be an LVIS member, but you cannot charge other LVIS libraries.
What should I do if an LVIS library charges me? Contact the lending library as soon as you notice the charge and request a refund per the rules for participation in LVIS. If you experience ongoing issues with specific lenders, omit the symbol from your custom holdings or lender strings. Refer to Manage IFM, Request a refund (Borrower) for more information.
What is Express LVIS? More than 600 libraries in OCLC's Express program are also members of LVIS. These libraries deliver digital resources within 18 hours or less and lend for free to other LVIS members. Refer to Express program for more information.
Is there any cost to participate in LVIS? No, participation in LVIS or Express LVIS is open to any library using ILLiad, Tipasa, or WorldShare ILL and is included in your subscription.
Email oclcresourcesharing@oclc.org.
The LVIS program’s rules and best practices were developed in collaboration with an advisory group from the Interlibrary Loan community, which included 18 members from a variety of types and sizes of libraries. To request clarifications or suggest changes, please email oclcresourcesharing@oclc.org.