Definition

Relating to or taking place between two or more libraries, often used in the context of sharing resources or services.

Example

The university offers an interlibrary loan service for students to access books from other libraries.

Conversation

Have you ever used an interlibrary loan service?

Yeah, I did that last month for a book I needed.

Was it easy to request an interlibrary loan?

Totally! They handled everything, and I got the book in just a few days.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Interlibrary → It is formed from "inter-" (meaning between) and "library" (from Latin "liber" meaning book, and Greek "bibliotheke" meaning a collection of books). The word refers to something that exists or occurs between libraries, such as borrowing materials from one library to another.

Memory Tip

Think of 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'library' referring to a collection of books — this helps you remember that 'interlibrary' relates to activities that happen between libraries.

Visually Confused Words