Our services: Inter-Library Loans: Do we supply to other libraries?

Do we supply to other Libraries? 

While we do not supply materials directly to individuals who are not members of the university, we are happy to lend books and supply copies to other libraries. 

How to make a request 

We supply scans via RapidILL and Durham University is part of the UK's WHELF+ Interlending scheme. We accept requests via email to interlibrary.loans@durham.ac.uk and we are also keen to encourage the use of ISO-ILL requesting. Drop us an email if you are interested in setting up an ISO-ILL partnership.

Requests from UK libraries should include: 

• clear details of the item you require

• a request number and your British Library Billing Account number 

• a delivery address. 

International requests can be paid for using a British Library Billing Account, IFLA vouchers or an invoice. 
 

Material we lend 

• Standard loan books which are not in high demand from our own users. 
   

Material we cannot lend 

• Periodicals, audio-visual materials, short loan, reference or microfilm/microfiche materials 

• Pre-1850 material 

• material over 100 years old will be considered on an item by item basis 

• Special collection, college and departmental library items 

• Theses – all our theses are available electronically. PhD theses are likely to be available for immediate download via British Library's EThOS service. Direct links to our PhD, MA and MSc theses are available through Discover (our library catalogue) or via our digital repository: Durham e-Theses. 
   

Copying 

We will provide scans (book chapters, journal articles or conference papers) within copyright guidelines (1 chapter or 10% of an item) and do so on the understanding that requests will only be made for private study. We reserve the right to refuse to supply if we believe that commercial use will take place. Copies will be delivered electronically where possible. Smaller articles will be sent as a pdf attached to an email. Larger articles may be sent via our "Zend-to" software. 

Journal articles, book chapters and conference papers written by Durham University Researchers may be freely available via our institutional repository Durham Research Online. 
 

Conditions of loan 

• The initial loan is 10 weeks 

• Renewals may be made on application to the library 

• All material is subject to recall and must be returned if it is required by one of our own members 

• Some items may be loaned on a confined basis: they can only be used within your library and should be stored in a secure place when not in use 

• We may ask for rare or valuable material to be returned using recorded delivery. 

• Due to significant losses experienced with courier delivery, please do not use Hays / DX for the return of our loans. 
   

Overdue or Lost items 

• The borrowing library is responsible for any loss or damage to materials loaned to them 

• Fines are not charged to other libraries for items returned late, although prompt return is appreciated 

• Automated overdue notices are sent out for loans 

• If an item is lost, please let us know. The full cost to replace the item (with a minimum fee of £30.00) would be charged to your British Library Billing Account. Replacement copies of the same edition (or newer) will also be accepted 

• We reserve the right to refuse loans to libraries where there is a significant problem with non-return of items.