Skip to Main Content
library logo banner

Library Document Delivery Services: Inter-Library Loans

Interlibrary Loan Digital requests

Overview

As a University member, you can use the Inter-Library Loans service to request items like books, journal articles, theses, and more, with the costs covered by the Library’s materials fund. If you need a large number of items for research projects, assignments, or systematic reviews, please contact your Subject Librarian first. 

You can make three types of requests:

  • A journal article or book chapter in digital format, noting that copyright restrictions limit this to one article or chapter per issue/book (or 5% of the total pages).
  • A physical print book or an entire journal issue on loan from another library.
  • A thesis, dissertation, or conference paper.

Please click the button below for your type of request to get more information.

digital articles and chapters

digital articles and chapters

digital articles and chapters

FAQs

How do I request an Inter-Library Loan for material that I can't find or isn't searchable in the Library catalogue?

If you ever come across something that's not searchable in the catalogue, please just use our generic form for Inter-Library Loans. 

https://www.bath.ac.uk/library/request/ill/index.php 

Don't forget to include as much citation information as possible to help us out.

You can find this form on our website in the other sections for "Chapters," "Books," and "Theses" too

Will all my requests be fulfilled electronically?

No. Whole books and journal issues will need to be collected from the Collections shelf in the Library foyer, on Level 2. Please note: these items will already have been checked out onto your library account. Digitised book chapters and journal articles will arrive by email.

How many times can I print the document?

You can download the file from the original link two times after receiving the email from the Inter-Library Loans department. This file can be saved on your PC. Due to copyright restrictions, you may only print one copy. 

Can I share my article or book chapter with my classmates/students?

No. Inter-Library Loans are for your personal and private study only. If the chapter/article is required for teaching (e.g., appears on a reading list) then lecturers should make a Library Scanning Service for Teaching Staff request.

Can I make an Inter-Library Loan request if I'm an alumni or external member?

Yes, as long as you have joined the Library as a member. There is information on joining as an alumni or as an external member on these pages.

Alumni and external members of the Library can use the service for a fee of £12.99 per request.

Visit the Inter-Library Loans office to pick up a paper Inter-Library Loans request form or download the request form, fill it out, and return it to lisbl@bath.ac.uk.

Inter-library Loans for Plymouth-based University of Bath students: How to receive and send books?

For Inter-library Loan physical books, we will send the book directly to the requester along with a pre-addressed envelope for returning the book. This service is provided free of charge to students. To request books you can use our digital form: https://www.bath.ac.uk/library/request/ill/index.php 

About the Document Delivery Team

We’re a team of five with years of experience and expertise in sourcing the hard-to-obtain materials you need. Four of us work part-time throughout the week, with one full-time member ensuring the continuous progress of your requests. Please contact us if you need assistance with Interlibrary Loans or with any other Document Delivery issues – we can help!

Contact us

Designed by Freepik

Decorative image of an envelope to indicate emails

  Email: lisbl@bath.ac.uk

  Tel: +44 (0)1225 386583

  Post: The Library, 2.15, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK