Q. Print book interlibrary loan FAQs

What is the loan period for a print book interlibrary loan?

Loan periods are at the discretion of the lending library, generally 4-6 weeks. It may be possible to renew the loan if the item is needed for longer; however, this cannot be guaranteed and the item may be recalled by the lending library at any time. Usually, you will be able to borrow the item supplied for use outside our library spaces. The loan period applies whether you are able to borrow the item and take it from the Library or if the item is for reference only.

What does it mean if an interlibrary loan is for 'reference only'?

Some materials are provided for use in the Library only, as reference items. These materials cannot be taken out of the building. We will tell you when we e-mail you to say the item has arrived if it is a reference item. This usually applies if the material is rare or in poor condition.

Can I renew an interlibrary loan?

We recommend that you try to use your interlibrary loan material before the initial return date. It may be possible to renew an interlibrary loan item if you need to use it for longer, however, renewals cannot be guaranteed.

• For materials borrowed from the British Library, your request will be automatically updated by the British Library on the initial return date to state whether an automatic renewal is pending or if no renewal is available. If a renewal is pending, the British Library will automatically renew the item. We will notify you of the revised return date. If no renewal is available, please return the items to us immediately.

• For materials borrowed from other lending libraries, we have to ask permission from the lending library to renew the material. We recommend that you contact us a week in advance of the return date to let us know you would like the material to be renewed. The lending library can refuse renewal or recall the material at any time if it is needed by one of their readers. If this happens, we will e-mail you and you will have to return the book immediately so it can be returned to the lending library.

What if I lose or damage an interlibrary loan?

Interlibrary loans are not our materials and need to be treated with care. You need to let us know as soon as possible if you know that an interlibrary book has been lost or damaged. If an interlibrary loan item is lost or damaged whilst on loan to you, you will be responsible for paying the replacement cost set by the lending library. Currently, the British Library charges £182.20 per item however more may be charged if the item is more expensive to replace. Other lending libraries will have their own scale of charges.

How do I return an interlibrary loan?

Please ensure all loaned interlibrary loan materials are returned on time. Interlibrary loan items must be returned to a member of Library staff at one of our helpdesks, during our staffed helpdesk hours. These loans cannot be returned via the self-service units.