Library Assist: Answers

Requests for single journal articles and book chapters can often be supplied quickly because they usually arrive as a digital copy. Our typical turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours. 

Delays can occur if the details of the item you provided on the ILL request form don't match with a known citation or it is from an unpopular title with limited holdings within UK Libraries. Every lending library is different so please be aware it could take up to 10 working days, especially if we have to contact more than one Library.

We have a large network of UK Libraries we can ask to supply ILLs, including the British Library. Despite this comprehensive coverage we cannot always guarantee access because:-  

• UK Libraries don't have everything ever published in their collections.
• some Journal titles and eBooks have copy restrictions on them.

If you submit the request on a Friday, over the weekend or on a public holiday there can be additional delays:

• Requests submitted after 5pm on a Friday or over the weekend will be processed by the Library Inter-Library Loans team as soon as possible on the next working day.
• Requests submitted on Bank Holidays, during Easter and the Christmas period will be processed by the Library ILL team as soon as possible when the department re-opens.  

Can I get an update on my request?

You can see open requests in your online My Library account.  If the request is still visible it usually means we are in the process of sourcing it for you. If the request is no longer visible, it should have either have been supplied or the request has been cancelled. Please check your University Outlook emails (not your mailbox in Canvas) regularly for any messages and updates. 

If you have been waiting a few weeks for a request, please contact the team by emailing ILL@wlv.ac.uk

What happens if my request cannot be fulfilled?

Sometimes it will not be possible for us to find a copy of what you asked for. If this happens, a cancellation email will be sent to your University Outlook account. Please check your University Outlook emails (not your mailbox in Canvas) regularly for any messages and updates.