Inter-library requests

Our inter-library requests service (also known as inter-library loans) allows you to request items that aren't available in Oxford libraries from other institutions in the UK and worldwide.

This service is free of charge for University members and NHS staff.

Place a request

First, check SOLO thoroughly to make sure the material you need isn't held in an Oxford library. Ask library staff if you have any questions.

You can place your request on SOLO via the 'Need more?' link at the top of the page. You'll need to log in with your Single Sign-On (SSO) or Bodleian Libraries account details. Your contact details will be automatically imported.

Please complete the form with as much information as possible to help our team locate the item in other libraries.

You can request:

  • physical items (to be sent to a participating library of your choice)
  • journal articles
  • book chapters

Each reader may have up to 5 active requests. This limit helps us to maintain a high standard of service for everyone. After you've finished consulting print items, or once your digital items have been sent to you, you'll be able to place further requests within this limit.

We’ll supply copies of articles and chapters in electronic format wherever possible, but sometimes we'll need to send copies to you in paper format instead. We'll send these to the college or departmental address in your reader record.

Copyright restrictions

When placing a request, you must agree to the copyright declaration on the request form.

UK copyright guidelines state that you may receive copies 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 won't be able to make copies over the amount shown above. Copies can only be supplied for non-commercial research or private study.

Supplying libraries may impose different restrictions on copying from items. Some libraries insist on any copying being done only with permission, or by a staff-mediated service.

Receiving your request

You can track your request in the ‘Requests’ tab of My SOLO.

Physical items

We'll deliver physical items to the library you selected from available destinations in the online form. Please note: items borrowed from institutions outside the UK can only be used in the Bodleian Old Library.

Destinations may need to be changed depending on instructions from the library supplying the item. If this is the case, you'll be notified ahead of the item’s arrival.

You'll receive an email when your item is ready for consultation.

You can only receive the same physical item on two separate occasions. If you need more time to consult an item, please contact the ILL team about the possibility of a renewal.

Copies of articles or chapters

We'll send copies of articles or chapters directly to you by email where possible. If the material is obtained via the British Library’s Secure Electronic Delivery service, you'll receive an email from this service with a link to access it.

If it's your first time using the British Library’s service, you'll need to register for an account. The British Library’s email will include instructions for registering and downloading.

Delivery times

Requests for loans of material from UK libraries may take 1–2 weeks. If we need to obtain the item from a library outside the UK, this may take 2–6 weeks. 

Straightforward requests for scans may be delivered within 24 hours. To help speed up processing, please provide as much detail as you can about the item (such as the ISBN or ISSN). More complex scan requests may take 2–3 weeks. 

Loan periods

Most loans are for use within the library only. However, depending on the delivery destination that you have selected, if the supplier permits lending you may be able to borrow the item. Please consult library staff.

Loan periods vary. The British Library generally provides loans for 6 weeks from the date of despatch. Loan periods from other libraries may be shorter.

If requested by the lending library, your inter-library loan may be subject to an immediate recall. If the loan is not recalled, it may be possible to renew it.

Photocopies are yours to keep. Electronic copies supplied by the British Library must be accessed within 30 days. Once downloaded, they will be accessible for 3 years.

Lost or damaged items

If an inter-library 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 £214.30. More will be charged if the item is more expensive to replace.

This charge does not mean you have purchased the item. If it is later found, the item must be returned and you may be entitled to a partial refund.

Contact

If you have a query about this service, contact the Inter-Library Requests team. 

Telephone: +44 (0)1865 277069 
Email: docdel@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Related links