What service typically allows patrons to borrow resources not available in their local library?

The typical service that enables patrons to borrow resources not available in their local library is interlibrary loan. This service allows libraries to collaborate and share their collections, facilitating access to a wider array of materials than any single library can offer. When a patron requests an item that is not part of their local library's collection, the library can reach out to other libraries within a network or system to find the requested resource.

By utilizing interlibrary loans, patrons benefit from a vast network of shared resources, which greatly enhances their access to books, journals, and other materials that may be crucial for their research or personal interests. This service is essential for supporting academic needs and fostering community education, as it ensures that any library patron can access materials that may not be directly available to them.

Direct borrowing, resource sharing, and community lending, while they might involve aspects of sharing materials or lending between libraries or communities, do not specifically denote the structured interlibrary loan process that is designed to facilitate such borrowing from external libraries.