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PhrasesAt the LibraryQuesto libro è fuori catalogo. Come posso ottenerlo?
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Questo libro è fuori catalogo. Come posso ottenerlo?

This book is out of print. How can I get it?

Pronunciation

Stress 'ca-TA-lo-go'. 'Ottenere' = ot-te-NE-re.

When to use it

Ask this when a book you want is no longer in print. Libraries may be able to help through interlibrary loans or digital alternatives.

What it means

'Fuori catalogo' = out of print (literally 'out of catalogue'). 'Come posso ottenerlo?' = how can I get it? Italian libraries can often request books through 'prestito interbibliotecario' (interlibrary loan — ILL), where books are borrowed from other libraries nationwide.

Variations

È possibile il prestito interbibliotecario?

Is interlibrary loan possible?

Requesting ILL service.

Esiste una versione digitale?

Does a digital version exist?

Asking about e-book alternatives.

Potete procurarmelo tramite un'altra biblioteca?

Can you get it for me through another library?

Requesting transfer from another library.

Mini Dialogue

— Questo libro è fuori catalogo. Come posso ottenerlo? — Proviamo con il prestito interbibliotecario. Ha un po' di pazienza? — Certo. Quanto tempo ci vuole? — Di solito una o due settimane.

— This book is out of print. How can I get it? — Let's try interlibrary loan. Do you have some patience? — Of course. How long does it take? — Usually one or two weeks.

Cultural Note

Italy's interlibrary loan system ('prestito interbibliotecario — PIL') is coordinated through the SBN network. It allows any Italian library to request materials from any other participating library. Italy also participates in international ILL through IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations). The service is typically free to borrowers but may have a small fee at some libraries.