I have obtained some very rare books through the loan program. Some were not expensive while others were. Some of the books were in a very fragile condition.
As you state, some things were available while others were not.
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I have also received copies of requested information when the book would not be sent.
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I have also surfed through a number of major library systems checking catalogs to locate books – finding some that were “unavailable.”
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My personal experience with librarians - the knowledge base varied tremendously. Some knew where books were buried deep in their storage stacks in the basement, while others did not have a clue or gave any indication of other resources to locate wanted books.
I remember asking one librarian about a specific subject - the man’s face lit up like a bright light - finally a question. Off he went down into the basement to retrieve some books that had not been checked out in years.
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Then people are people, some are helpful, and some are not.
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What good is a book if you cannot get the information from it? It would be like a great painting that could not be viewed because atmospheric conditions cause slow deterioration. Many things would be better stored in a vacuum, away from human hands. If the information is needed, the consequence of slight damage due to usage of the book is an acceptable reality
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I have only been asked to pay library fees when my allotted book requests exceeded my quota for that month. I was happy to pay the postage to get the item.