How long does it take for an article/book chapter to be supplied via the Inter-Library Loan service?
Last Updated: 05.Dec.2022 Views: 112

Requests can often be supplied very quickly. Our typical turnaround time is usually within 48 hours for journal articles/book chapters.

Delays can occur when the lending library does not have the item you have requested in their stock/collection. 

Our main supplier of Inter-Library Loans is the British Library. They have a comprehensive collection but cannot always guarantee access because:-  

  • they don't have everything ever published in their collections.
  • some Journal titles have copy restrictions on them.

If the British Library cannot supply the item, we will look for another Library in the UK and ask them to supply. We do not have a timeframe of how long this process will take because every lending library is different so please be aware it could take up to 14 working days especially if we have to contact more than one Library.

You submit the request on a Friday, over the weekend or on a public holiday

  • Requests submitted on a Friday or over the weekend will be processed by the Library ILL 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 Inter-Library Loans 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. 

 

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