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Criminology & Policing

Using Other Libraries

What is an inter-library loan?

An inter-library loan (ILL) is a free service provided by the Library that allows students and staff to borrow materials not held in our own collection. This can include physical books, but also digital copies of book chapters and journal articles, which can be delivered directly to your email. There is no limit on the number of ILL requests eligible users can make, so you can access as many resources as you need for your research.

Who can use the ILL system?

All staff and current students registered at Derby can use the ILL system.

The following user categories are not eligible: External, Alumni, Honourary, SCONUL Access, Collaborative, and Exchange (e.g. Erasmus) students. If you fall into one of these categories, you may still be able to request an inter-library loan at your local public library or directly, by registering at the British Library.

What can I borrow?

However, please note that there are copyright restrictions on what and how much libraries are allowed to copy on behalf of their users. Typically, only one chapter per book and one article per journal issue can be supplied digitally. If you need multiple chapters from a book or multiple articles from the same journal issue, it's advisable to request the entire item as a physical loan instead.

How does the system work?

  1. Search: Use Library Search and discover the item you need isn't available. You should see a 'Get it for me from other libraries' label, if so.
  2. Choose: Select whether you want a physical or digital item.
  3. Request: You fill out an inter-library loan request form, providing your contact information.
    • Library Search will automatically fill in the details of the item from the record. If there is no record at all on Library Search, you will need to manually fill in the details in the ILL form here.
  4. Processing: The Library contacts other libraries, usually the British Library, to locate the item.
  5. Delivery:
    • Physical items: The lending library sends the book to your library.
    • Digital copies: The lending library emails you a link to download the book chapter or journal article.
  6. Borrowing/Access: You are notified when the item arrives/is available and can borrow/access it.
  7. Return: After you finish using the item, you return it to your library (if physical).

Why is inter-library loan useful for students, especially at the dissertation and postgraduate stage?

  • Access to specialised materials: Dissertations and postgraduate research often require access to specialised or rare materials not available the Library at Derby. ILL, particularly through the British Library, greatly expands your access to these resources.
  • Research depth and breadth: ILL enables you to explore a wider range of perspectives and sources, strengthening your research arguments and analysis.
  • Cost-effective and unlimited: ILL is free and there is no limit to the number of requests eligible users can make, so you can access as many resources as you need for your research without worrying about cost.
  • Time-saving: ILL can save you time by eliminating the need to travel to other libraries to find the resources you need, and by providing quick digital access to many items.

The British Library and Legal Deposit:

Most of Derby's requests, particularly for older or rarer materials, go to the British Library, which holds a vast and ever-growing collection.  The British Library is a legal deposit library, which means it receives a copy of every book, journal, and other publication produced in the UK and Ireland. This legal deposit ensures that the British Library holds a comprehensive collection of national publications, making it a likely source for your inter-library loan request. With approximately 3 million new items added annually, the collection already spans over 96 kilometres of shelving across its sites, ensuring a high chance of finding the resource you need!

Additional tips for using inter-library loan:

  • Start early: The ILL process can take time, espcially if you are borrowing an item, so it's important to start your research early and request items as soon as you know you need them.
  • Be specific: Provide accurate and complete information about the item you need to avoid delays.
  • Return items on time: Derby's Library does not charge overdue fines, but the British Library does, and they are quite hefty! So be sure to return your items on time. If you require an item for longer than the loan period, contact the Library at least a week before the return date.

 

The National Police Library is free to all serving police officers and staff, and holds an extensive print and e collection that supports all aspects of policing and personal development.

It offers an enquiry service, supporting users in their research and offering assistance in finding relevant document. It also offers training on how to its resources (on Police Library Search - which uses the same system as Library Plus, so should be familiar to you!) at your police station or at the College of Policing in Coventry. Postal loan is available for their print resources.

  • To join you need to visit the National Police Library webpage: link
  • Fill in the library membership form: library membership form
  • Email the form back to library@college.pnn.police.uk using your secure work (police) email account (not your Derby uni account!)
  • They will register you and email your Open Athens login details to you, enabling access to the National Police Library resources.

Please note, if you have any queries or questions regarding your membership or use of the resources, email the National Police Library, not the University of Derby Library or your academic librarian. We do not have access to the National Police Library and cannot help you.

Unlock a World of Academic Resources with SCONUL Access

Looking to expand your research horizons? Look no further than the SCONUL Access scheme! This fantastic program opens doors to a vast network of academic libraries across the region, giving you access to resources that might not be available here at Derby. This can be particularly beneficial when you're home for holidays or breaks, as you might find a participating university library closer to you.

What is SCONUL Access?

SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme among university libraries, allowing eligible students and staff to access the facilities and resources of participating libraries. This means you can explore the stacks, study in peace and quiet away from home, and access a wider range of books, journals, and databases for your academic work – even when you're away from Derby.

Why Should You Register for SCONUL Access?

  1. Expand Your Research: Gain access to a wider range of academic materials, including specialised collections and rare resources, to enhance your studies.

  2. Discover New Study Spaces: Explore different library environments and find the perfect spot to focus and get your work done.

  3. Connect with Other Students: Meet and collaborate with fellow students from other institutions, fostering a broader academic community.

  4. It's Free and Easy: Registration for SCONUL Access is free and straightforward, simply requiring you to complete an online application through the library here at Derby.

Who is Eligible for SCONUL Access?

Eligibility criteria may vary slightly among institutions, but generally, you can register for SCONUL Access if you are:

  • A full-time or part-time postgraduate student
  • A full-time undergraduate on a year-long placement
  • A distance learning student
  • An academic staff member

How to Register:

  1. Check if your institution is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme (hint: we are!).

  2. Visit the SCONUL Access website for details on how to register.

  3. Fill out the online application form, providing the necessary information and documentation. You will need your Derby Student ID and to use your Derby Unimail email address.

  4. Once approved, you'll receive confirmation and instructions on how to access the participating libraries.

What Does SCONUL Access Allow Me?

There is no standard offer - some libraries allow SCONUL members to borrow books, some don't; some allow access to computers and online resources, others don't; some restrict access to home students only during key periods like Induction Week or exam periods.

If you have questions about what your SCONUL Access membership allows you to do or access at participating libraries, you can contact the relevant SCONUL contact at the library you want to visit.

 

While our library offers a wealth of resources, the digital world opens up even more possibilities for research and discovery. Here are two free, publicly accessible tools you can leverage:

Internet Archive

Think of it as a vast online library and museum. The Internet Archive houses:

  • Books: Millions of digitised books, both public domain and more recent publications available for borrowing through their "Open Library" system.
  • Movies: A wide range of films, documentaries, and even old TV shows.
  • Music: Audio recordings, live concerts, and historical music collections.
  • Software: Vintage software and games, offering a glimpse into the history of computing.
  • Webpages: Yes, through the Wayback Machine (see below)!

Wayback Machine

This is the Internet Archive's time-traveling tool. The Wayback Machine takes "snapshots" of webpages across time. It's a fantastic resource for:

  • Tracking Changes: See how websites have evolved over the years.
  • Accessing Deleted Content: Find information that's been removed from the live web.
  • Verifying Information: Confirm details you've found elsewhere by checking older versions of a site.
  • Nostalgic Browsing: Relive the early days of the internet!

Why Use These Tools?

  • Expand Your Research: Discover resources you won't find in the library's collection.
  • Explore Primary Sources: Uncover historical documents, news articles, and cultural artifacts.
  • Gain New Perspectives: See how information has been presented and interpreted over time.

Tips for Effective Use

  • Search Strategically: Use keywords and filters to refine your results.
  • Check Dates: Pay attention to when a webpage snapshot was taken, as information might be outdated.
  • Be Critical: Evaluate the credibility of sources, especially when using older materials.
  • Cite Properly: Always give credit to the Internet Archive and/or the Wayback Machine when using their resources.

Remember:

  • The Internet Archive and Wayback Machine are excellent complements to your library's resources and services like inter-library loans, which can provide access to books not held locally.
  • Don't forget to explore grey literature (reports, conference papers, etc.) available through subject-specific databases and repositories.
  • If your research takes you to other universities, consider using the SCONUL Access scheme for in-person access to their library collections.

Need Help?

Librarians are here to guide you! If you have questions about these resources or need assistance with research, don't hesitate to ask us for help.