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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.