Borrow material via inter-library loans

Our inter-library loan service can process requests for both physical items and resources that are available electronically. Requests for physical items can be collected from any of our site libraries:

• Main Library
• Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) Library
• Kirkcaldy Campus Library
• Robertson Trust Medical Library, Ninewells

Please remember, as we are dependent on other organisations to supply these requests, there is no guarantee that resources can be accessed through inter-library loan - but we will do our best!

Our Inter-Library Loan service is available to current staff and students of the University of Dundee.

Staff and students from other universities should apply through their home institution. All others should apply through their local Public Library.

Applying to use the ILL service

You may apply for an ILL when you need a book, chapter of a book, or journal article not held in our collection for private study or for research for a non-commercial purpose. 

Cost of the service

Inter Library Loan Service is free to University Staff and Students - the Library absorbs any charges.

Applying to borrow a book or chapter of a book

Enter as much information as you can, including the chapter title if required. 

Requests for physical books can be picked up at one of our sites. Requests for chapters of a book will be delivered digitally. 

• Applications are all made online
• First use Library Search to check that the book you require is not already available through the Library; ask Library staff if you are not sure
• Having signed-in to your account on Library Search, click on the 'Inter-Library Loan' tab at the top of the page (if you are not signed-in the tab will be visible but not clickable)
• Select Request type ‘book’
• Enter as much information as you can
• Complete the Delivery Information section of the form (books will be delivered in a Physical format for pickup at one of our sites)
• Click 'Request'

Once an application has been sent to a potential supplier, it can normally only be cancelled if they notify us that there is a long waiting list or that they cannot trace the item. In these cases we will contact you and ask if you wish to cancel.

Applying for a journal article

The default method of delivery for journal articles will be digital.

• Applications for the purposes of private study or non-commercial research are all made online
• First use Library Search to check that the article you require is not already available through the Library; ask Library staff if you are not sure
• Having signed-in to your account on Library Search, click on the 'Inter-Library Loan' tab at the top of the page (if you are not signed-in the tab will be visible but not clickable)
• Select Request type ‘article’
• Enter as much information as you can
• Complete the Delivery Information section of the form (the default method of delivery for journal articles and single chapters from books will be Digital because this is both faster and less expensive)
• Click 'Request'

Processing

You will receive a further email from our Inter Library Loan Team if additional information is required to process your application or we are unable to locate a supplier for the requested item.

Restrictions

It is illegal to obtain ILL copies of more than one article from a journal issue or more than 10 % or a chapter of a book. 

Copyright regulations are legally binding and both we and the lending library must ensure that readers’ requests comply with them.

Collecting your ILL

An email will be sent to you as soon as a loan item arrives at your chosen Library site. Please collect items promptly as they can only be kept for a limited period. Inter-Library Loans are not left on the open Hold Request shelves and you will have to ask for assistance at the InfoZone or Enquiry Desk. Check  hours to avoid self-service only periods.

Reference use only items are often loaned by the owning institution only on condition that we keep them in our Library at all times. 

Loan period

Loan periods will vary. There will be a slip attached to the item specifying the date on which it must be returned to us.

It is advisable to return all ILLs promptly as a fine may be charged by the owning library and this will be passed on to you. The fines levied by our supplying libraries, as well as charges for lost or damaged items are very substantial.

Renewing your loan

Unless an item is required by someone else, most loans can be renewed. To request a renewal, please email the Library or phone (01382) 384086 just before the due date, and quote the request number. We will email you as soon as we can to let you know whether the request was successful.

Recall notices

If you receive a recall notice for an ILL item please return it immediately, even if you have renewed it. A recall means that the supplying library has received further requests for the item.

Lost or damaged items

Any lost or Damaged Inter Library Loans supplied will be charged the full current replacement cost levied by the lending institution.

Lost or Damaged items supplied by the University of Dundee to other institutions will be charged the full current replacement cost.

ILL services to other libraries

We are happy to consider requests from other institutions.  There are the following exceptions:

• 1 and 7 day loan
• Reference
• Journal Parts/Volumes
• Special Collections

For any enquiries, please contact our Inter Library Loan team by email [email protected]