Using Other Libraries - Keele University

Using Other Libraries

Inter Library Loans and access to other academic libraries.

Inter Library Loans

 

What is the Inter-Library Loan Service? Can I use it?
How much does it cost? How do I make a request?
How do I collect my material? How do I return or renew my material?
FAQs ILL request forms
SCONUL access Information about other Libraries


What is the Inter-Library Loan Service?

Many items the University Library doesn't hold (such as books, conference papers, theses, journal articles and reference works) can be obtained from the British Library and other libraries. Usually, you can keep the photocopy of a journal article supplied to you via this service. Books may be borrowed using your Keele Card (as normal).  Rare or valuable materials can usually be used within the Library only.

If we search UK libraries and this fails, a world-wide search (search of Libraries outside the UK) can be requested.

You can also use the 'Urgent Action' service from the British Library. Items from their stock are dispatched for delivery within 24 hours.

Charges for these services are summarised below.


Can I use it?

You can use the Campus Library's Inter-Library Loans Service if you are:

  • Keele staff or student
  • External members who are registered with the Library, except SCONUL Access

Please note: Faculty of Health staff/students (only) and NHS members can also use the Inter-Library Loans service operating from the Health Library; for further information about this service, please check information relating to ordering books and journal articles.


How much does it cost?

Charges for the service are reviewed annually. The charges for 2012-2013 at the Campus Library are as follows:

* PGR students may be eligible for help with costs.  Please ask your Research Institute for details.

Keele Staff/Students
Photocopies
Loans
Renewals
Theses
Standard Service
£6.00
£10.00
£4.00
£10.00
Music Societies/Groups
Please contact the Library

Minimum £10.00
Please contact the library
Please contact
the Library
2 months notice required
Fines
£1.00 per day (maximum £20.00)


How do I make a request?

Before making any request please check first if the Library already holds the items first; if this is the case your request cannot be processed. You should check:

If the Library doesn't hold the material, you need to complete the appropriate Inter-Library Loan form: these are available at the Library Service Counter; alternatively, the forms can be downloaded

All requests made at the Campus Library must be paid for in advance.
If you post the appropriate request please include the correct payment.

Requesting theses:

  • UK PhD Theses are now available to search, order and download via the British Library's Electronic Theses Online Service (ETHOS)
  • You do not need to register to search the database, but if you want to order a thesis you will need to register and create a username and password
  • You will then be able to download a copy of the thesis if it has been digitised or order a digitised copy
  • If you wish to consult a thesis from a university that is not participating in ETHOS, please contact our Inter-LIbrary Loans department

Requesting scores/parts (music societies):

  • Please contact the Library 2 months before the material is needed
  • Please check printed catalogues for availability (Campus Library Service)
  • Please note: these requests may attract additional costs as the material can be difficult to obtain

Requesting material for Short Loan (applicable to Keele staff only):

How do I collect my material?

Photocopies are sent to the address specified on your request form, while all other material can be collected from the Main Service Counter when you're notified of its arrival.


How do I return or renew my material?

  • Please check the slip of paper inside the item for the return date
  • Want to renew it? Please let us know as soon as possible, no later than the date for return specified on the slip
  • A charge is made for renewals

FAQs

How long does material take to arrive?
The majority arrives within two weeks, but some items can arrive sooner. We will contact you if

  • We can't trace the item from the details you submitted: please reply if we contact you as failure to do so will result in delays
  • We can't trace the item in the UK. You can pay for a world-wide search; please be aware, this can take several months
  • There is a delay in obtaining the material for any other reason  

How long can I keep items?

  • You can keep all photocopied journal articles and some microfiche
  • Generally, a loan item can be kept for 5 weeks, but always check the slip of paper for the specific date
  • There is a charge of 50p per day on overdue Inter-Library Loan items

What if there is a problem (pages missing, wrong item)?
Please contact the Inter-Library Loans Service as soon as possible, and we will be happy to rectify this at no extra cost.

Further Information
Please contact staff for all other queries:

Access to other academic libraries - UK/Irish University Libraries

Keele participates in the following co-operative schemes for higher education libraries:

  • SCONUL Access - enables staff, research students, full time postgraduates and part-time, distance learning and placement students to borrow material from other libraries.

Check the weblinks to see if University libraries near you participate in the scheme. 

Information about other libraries

Catalogues of other libraries

Nearly all academic libraries, and many others, make their catalogues available on the web. Our catalogues of other libraries page has links to union and some individual catalogues, and to more comprehensive collections of links.

For archives, A2A (Access to Archives) contains catalogues describing archives held throughout England and dating from the 900s to the present day.