Using the Inter-Library Loan service
What the ILL service provides
Material not in the University Library may be borrowed from other sources, mainly the British Library. We can obtain serials issues and articles, books, conferences, reports, patents and standards. Most periodical articles will be photocopies for your retention; other items will be for loan although some valuable or rare items may be for use in the Library only.
It may be possible to obtain material not available in the UK by contacting libraries overseas. As this can be expensive it is at the discretion of the University Library and cannot be guaranteed.
Who may use it
The ILL service is available to all members of the University within the limits specified below:
| Undergraduate finalists* | 5 requests |
| Postgraduates (taught) | 10 requests |
| Staff & Researchers | 40 requests |
*Students on four year courses are entitled to 5 requests in both their third and final years.
For all other types of borrowers, or for borrowers exceeding these limits, requests will need to be paid for by the requestor. Please contact the Information & Enquiries Desk staff for prices.
How to make a request
Before making a request, please make sure that the item is not in the Library by checking the Catalogue. Request cards may be obtained from the Information & Enquiries Desk or the Inter-Library Loan request form may be completed, printed, signed and returned to the Information & Enquiries Desk. Please include as much detail as possible and state your source of reference (e.g. SportsDiscus, PsycInfo). You will find it useful for future reference to keep a record of requests you make.
Please note that you may only request one article from a single issue of a journal. If you require more than one article from a single journal issue you should request the whole issue and we will try to obtain a loan copy from the British Library
Issues and returns
Photocopies will be posted to you on arrival, unless you have indicated on the request form that you wish to collect from the Library. You will be notified by email when items for loan are available and these must be issued and collected from the Information & Enquiries Desk. Please make sure you have your University ID card with you.
All loan items must be returned by the date specified or the recalled date. If books are posted back to us we recommend using insured post as you are responsible for all items until we receive them. Prompt return is important as we rely on the goodwill of other libraries and by keeping a book when it is overdue you are disadvantaging another borrower. Standard Library overdue fines apply.