Inter-Library Loan service
The Inter-Library Loan service is available to all members of the University, within certain limits, to request material from other libraries that is not held by Loughborough University Library. There is no charge for this service, but requests should only be submitted in support of the teaching and research of the University and will be at the discretion of the University Library. Before making a request it is important that you have checked Library Catalogue Plus to ensure that the material you are requesting is not held by the University Library.
Using the Inter-Library Loan serviceSecure Electronic Delivery (SED)Inter-Library Loan Request FormOrdering thesesFrequently asked questions about the Inter-Library Loans service
Q. How long will my request take to arrive?
Most journal articles arrive as photocopies within 5 working days and will be posted to your registered address. Other material is more difficult to predict, but we will keep you informed on the progress of your requests whenever we receive any information.
Q. How long will I have it on loan?
Photocopies of papers will be for your retention. Items which are borrowed must be returned by the date shown on the issue slip which will usually be 6 weeks from the day of arrival. Recalled items must be returned as promptly as possible. Books in heavy demand will be for 3 weeks loan.
Q. Can I renew my loans?
The British Library charges a fee for the renewal of loan material. Due to to this extra cost, the Library will only consider renewing Inter-Library Loan items under exceptional circumstances. Please note that renewals are also subject to the agreement of the lending library.
All loan material is subject to recall at any time by the lending library and must be returned immediately.
Q. Can I check the progress of my request?
You may check the progress of your ILL request either at the Information & Enquiries Desk or by emailing Jane Bramley or Jeannette Machin.
Q. Why are some items for 'Library use only'?
This is a restriction placed on us by the lending library, usually in the case of valuable or rare materials, for safe keeping. These books must be signed for on each occasion of use and be returned to the Information & Enquiries Desk.
There are NO exceptions to this rule.
All requests for registered external readers will be for library use only.
Q. Can I pay for it myself?
Borrowers who have used up their Inter-Library Loan allowance, or are requesting items of personal interest rather than in support of the teaching and research of the University, may pay for requests themselves. Most loans will cost £10 and photocopies £7.50. However, the cost of obtaining material not available from the British Library is likely to be higher. Users are advised to contact Information & Enquiries Desk staff for full details of charges. Pre-payment for personal requests is required, but refunds will be available if we cannot obtain the item.
Q. Can I send an email request?
At present we cannot accept Email requests as we need the request to be signed to comply with the Copyright Act 1988. The position will be reviewed if the Act changes. You may complete the Inter-Library Loan request form, print it, sign and post it to us if you wish. This form may also be used for pasting bibliographic details from searches on electronic sources.
Q. What happens if I lose a book?
Please inform the Information & Enquiries Desk or email Jane Bramley or Jeannette Machin as soon as a problem arises. The British Library Document Supply Centre, from whom we obtain most material, imposes a charge of between £140 and £210 for lost or damaged items. It is our practice to pass on all charges to borrowers and refunds are not given. Please take care of items in your possession and do not pass them on to colleagues.