This essay could begin with a discussion of interlibrary loan procedures before the existence of OCLC, but it seems preferable not to recount the miseries of the Dark Ages. Beginning with a discussion of the use of OCLC by interlibrary loan staff before the availability of the Interlibrary Loan Subsystem should provide enough history. The background material is followed by an explanation of the methodology of requesting material by means of the Interlibrary Loan Subsystem. Perceived problems with the use of the subsystem, suggestions regarding the source of those problems, and possible solutions form the remainder of the paper.