Welcome to Interlibrary Loans
An Interlibrary Loan Service is available to all members of Oxford University, as well as to non-University members. This service seeks to provide access to material not held at the University. The Bodleian Libraries also supply their own material to other libraries and institutions.
Please check SOLO, Oxford Libraries' catalogue, before requesting an Inter-library Loan.
Having valid membership of Oxford University gives you access to all of the Bodleian Libraries. You can visit any of these libraries to view items for yourself.
FAQs
How much does an inter-library loan cost?
Will I get a refund if my request fails?
Which of the Bodleian Libraries provide document supply services?
How does copyright affect my request?
Can I receive the item that I requested electronically?
How long does it take to receive the item that I have requested?
Where do I consult the item that I have requested?
How long can I keep the item that I have requested?
Can I borrow an item which has been lent by another library?
Can I make photocopies from an item that is on loan to me?
What happens if the item is lost or damaged whilst I have it?
The interlibrary loan (ILL) service may be used by holders of a current Oxford University (blue) card and by holders of a Bodleian Libraries Readers' Card.
If you work for the NHS, please consult the Bodleian Health Care Libraries website (opens in new window).
How much does an interlibrary loan cost?
Charges can be found here (opens in new window).
Holders of Oxford University cards are charged at a subsidised rate for a maximum of 20 UK requests and 5 international requests per academic year. Further requests can be placed but these will be charged at the standard British Library rate.
Bodleian Libraries Reader's Card holders are charged at the standard British Library rate. It may however be cheaper to use the services of your own university or public library.
If you are making the request for commercial purposes, then the higher rate charges apply regardless of which card you hold.
Please note that the British Library increases its prices annually on 1st August and the Bodleian Libraries are obliged to increase our charges accordingly however the service remains heavily subsidised.
Will I get a refund if my request fails?
The fee for a standard request is non refundable. If you place an urgent request which the British Library is unable to fulfil, the total fee will be refunded.
Which of the Bodleian Libraries provide document supply services?
A list of participating libraries can be found here (opens in new window).
How does copyright affect my request?
UK copyright guidelines state that you may receive photocopies of:
- One chapter or 5% of a book, whichever is greater
- One article from an issue of a journal
If you require more than the prescribed limit you should ask to borrow the item instead. Copyright law still applies so you will not be able to make copies yourself over the amount shown above.
If you receive your article by Secure Electronic Delivery, copyright law allows you to make a single paper copy of it. You are not permitted to save it in machine readable format.
If the copy is for commercial purposes, it will be processed under a Copyright Cleared Service meaning that there is an additional copyright fee which is set by the journal publisher. You can check the copyright fees for each journal on the British Library's catalogue (opens in new window).
You must complete an Inter-library Loan/Document Supply Request Form with the details of the item you require. Please ask a member of staff at the library for a form or you can print a PDF form here. Completed forms must be submitted in the library and full payment made before your request can be processed.
Please attach an item reference for your request where possible and ensure that you complete the question regarding commercial use and sign the copyright declaration. Without your signature in ink we cannot process your request.
You can submit a request at any of the participating Bodleian Libraries (opens in new window). If necessary, please ask a member of staff at the library for help.
How long does it take to receive the item that I have requested?
Straightforward article requests for British Library material usually take 5 working days and standard book loan requests for British Library material usually take 10 working days. More complex requests (where little information has been provided about the item being requesting) may take longer.
Times vary for the delivery of articles and books from institutions other than the British Library. Other UK libraries may take two weeks or longer and requests submitted to international libraries may take several months.
Where do I consult the item I have requested?
You can consult the item from the reading room or library which you specified on the request form unless you are notified otherwise.
Can I receive the item that I requested electronically?
Journal articles ordered from the British Library can be supplied directly to your desktop using their Secure Electronic Delivery (SED) service. It must be stated on your request form if required. Please note that restrictions on use apply to SED.
How long can I keep the item that I have requested?
Loans vary depending on the supplying library but are generally for 3 weeks. If the loan is not recalled, it may be possible to renew. The first renewal is free but you will be charged £4.30 for subsequent renewals.
Photocopies may be kept and do not need to be returned.
SED can be read and downloaded for a 14 day period. It can be printed only once but the print version can be retained by you indefinitely.
Can I borrow an item which has been lent by another library?
Most loans are for consultation within the library only.
Can I make photocopies from an interlibrary loan item?
Different restrictions on photocopying are imposed by libraries lending the items. All photocopying must be done within the UK Copyright guidelines. Some libraries insist on any photocopying being done only with permission, or by a staff mediated service.Ask your individual library for details.
What happens if the item is lost or damaged whilst I have it?
If an interlibrary loan item is lost or damaged whilst on loan to you, we will pass on to you the amount charged by the British Library for lost items; currently £147.20 (more will be charged if the item is more expensive to replace).
This charge does not mean you have purchased the item. If you subsequently find it, it must be returned and you may be entitled to a partial refund.
