Inter-Library Loan Online Requesting Facility
What is the Inter-Library Loan Service?
Inter-Library Loans (ILL) is a service which allows the library to source material for people which is not available in any Queen's Library branch.
Staff and Postgraduate Research students can apply for an ILL using the online requesting facility.
Postgraduate Taught and Undergraduate students: If the book or article you require is not available in the Library, you should contact your Subject Librarian.
Making a Request
Staff and Research Students
Requests can be placed online for material not held by the Library. You can do this in two ways:
- On Library Search, under 'How to get it', click 'Inter-Library Loan’
- When carrying out an article search, click 'QConnect' and then 'Inter-Library loan'
Articles are normally emailed to you.
Requests cannot be taken by telephone or email.
How long will a request take?
Once received by the Library, an ILL request will be actioned within 3 working days. Straightforward Inter-Library Loan requests may take only 2-3 working days to receive, whereas more obscure items may take several months. The majority of requests take no more than a couple of weeks, however, it is not possible to guarantee delivery within a specific time. It is advisable not to submit requests for loans prior to leaving Queen’s on extended leave or field work, as the material may arrive while you are away.
Receiving ILL Items
Articles delivered via email
Once sourced, your article will be delivered by email as a PDF document.
You are free to download this article but please note that the requirements of Library Privilege mean the PDF should be deleted when you reach the end of your studies/research or use of the article, whichever is sooner.
Loanable items
You will receive an email notifying you to collect the item(s) from your Branch Library.
Restrictions may be placed by the lending library requiring that some material be used in the library only.
Items for loan can usually be borrowed for 4 weeks. The return date will be written on a slip inserted in the book. Inter-library loans should be returned to the library from which they were issued.
Renewals
It may be possible to extend the loan period of an item, providing it is not in demand. Please contact your library.
Lost Items
All borrowers will be contacted about overdue and in demand Inter-Library Loan items.
The British Library charges a minimum of £214.30 for the replacement of items which are long overdue or damaged or lost. This cost is charged to the borrower responsible and includes a non-refundable administrative charge of £107.15 plus VAT. This charge is subject to an annual rise in August.
Items in demand which are not returned promptly will also incur the above charges.