Library Assist: Answers

An Inter-Library Loan (ILL) is a way of requesting an item you need for your study that the University Library does not have in its print or online collections.

The ILL service is open to all University students and staff, but not SCONUL or Alumni card holders. 

We do not charge for this service.

What can I request?

• single journal articles and conference papers
• single book chapters
• whole printed books and whole issues of printed journals*
• theses*

Is there anything I cannot request?

Some items are limited by format, licenses or copyright law:

• an entire eBook - licenses don't allow them to be 'loaned' to another Library
• if a book was only sold by the publisher in a physical format, we cannot ask for the whole book to be scanned into an online format
• more than one article from the exact same journal issue
• more than one chapter from the same book, even if it is a different edition
• a copy of a print book where the University Library already has online access to the exact same title - if you need help using the online version please contact the Library

How do I make a request?

• Each item needs to be requested via our online form - the link is under 'How do I make a request' on our ILL web page.
• Please note: if you cannot login to the Library catalogue and access the form it may mean you don't have a Library account. Contact the Library for advice.

How are ILLs delivered?

• Where possible, single articles and chapters will be delivered electronically via the British Library online system. Please note that the British Library does not send you the file directly via email - it will be a link to the article or chapter on their server which you need to download to your own machine/device before you can open it. Please see our comprehensive FAQ below if you have a problem opening your item.
• When a whole item is requested, we will try to locate a Library with a print copy to lend us on your behalf. There is no guarantee that we will always be able to find a Library able to lend a copy. Please note: sometimes lending libraries can impose conditions on the loan so it may not always be possible for items to be taken out of the University Library building. 

If you have any questions or problem making the request, please contact the Library.