Our services: Inter-Library Loans: How long does it take for items to arrive?

How long does it take for items to arrive? 

• Most inter-library loan items arrive in around a week. 52% of requests arrive within 2 days and 88% arrive within 7 days. 99% of requests are supplied within 30 days, but some requests can take longer to source, particularly if borrowed from abroad. 

  • On average scans from a UK supplier take 1.3 days to arrive. (From abroad the average is 21 days)

  • On average loans from a UK supplier take 7 days to arrive. (From abroad the average is 23 days but can be substantially longer)

  • Scans of whole theses via British Library's EThOS service average at 12 weeks (supply is generally between 6 to 17 weeks)

• Fulfilment rates for scans is 91% and loans is 79%.

• Allow 7-10 days before contacting us about an ongoing request. 

• If you have an enquiry about your request, please email the Inter-Library Loans team.

Can I get books and articles from abroad?

We can usually find copies of most requested books and articles in the UK. If the item is not available in the UK then we might be able to obtain a copy from abroad if it is held in an international library that takes part in inter-library loans (not all do). Place your inter-library loan request as normal and if we think we might be able to get a copy from abroad then we will write to you to ask if you want us to extend the search abroad. 

• We only offer international requests to postgraduate researchers and academic staff.
  • Undergraduates and taught postgraduates who need international material should talk to their Faculty Librarians who may be able to recommend alternate sources.
• International supply is slow. Loans take on average 23 days to arrive and scans take 21 days. If you have an urgent deadline and cannot wait 28 days then you will need to consider other alternatives. 
• Check the language that the book (or article) is written in and only order the item if you can read the language.
• International loans will be confined to the Bill Bryson Library and are often available for only a few weeks. You will have to use the material within the Bill Bryson Library during Library Service hours. If you find it difficult to get to the library during core hours, or are based outside the UK, then request a scan rather than a loan.
• International requests, while free at the point of use, are costly and time-consuming to arrange. Currently we estimate that it costs the Library around £150 for a loan and £75 for a scan in fees and staff time. Be discerning with what you order. If the item is inexpensive to buy then placing a Purchase Request would be more appropriate. 
• We reserve the right to charge the full cost (or decline requests) from individuals who repeatedly order material then fail to use the requested items.