Myth #5 - Amazon's ASINs are helpful in searching for ILL items

Fact: Unfortunately, unless the ASIN starts with zero (0) or one (1), it is not searchable in WorldCat, which is the database we use for borrowing books and other items. So if the ASIN starts with B or 6, which many audiovisual items show, they don't need to be added to the ILL form.

For film requests, we don't need a number; we just need a good idea of what the patron needs. If a movie has been made and remade, we need to know which version the patron wants. Having the star's or director's name helps. We also need to know which format the patron prefers - DVD or VHS. If no format is indicated, we will order the format that is most widely available.

For music CDs, we need title and artist. Release dates also help.

If you have trouble verifying the existence of either type of item, indicate that on the ILL request form and send it to us anyway. Not every item is in Amazon (though they'd like to think so).