Alaska's interlibrary loan service moves to Juneau, with its funding uncertain

Alaska's statewide interlibrary loan service — the 800 number that rural, tribal, and school libraries have called for more than 20 years to borrow books and get research help — is moving from Anchorage Public Library to the Alaska State Library in Juneau.

The state library is hiring a librarian to run it, along with the Remote Resident Digital Library and the Alaska Talking Book program.

The larger question is whether the service survives. It depends on federal Institute of Museum and Library Services grants, and if that money isn't renewed, the 800 number could end. Gustavus Public Library has warned that losing it would sharply limit what rural patrons can get their hands on.

The state library says the move won't affect any library's eligibility for Public Library Assistance grants.