Are interlibrary loan requests ever refused?
Answer
We may be unable to process your inter-library loan request for a number of reasons:
- We already hold the item in stock, whether in print or digital format. This applies even when a print item is currently on loan to others
- The item is held in another local library to which you have reasonable access. This does not apply if you have a disability that affects your mobility
- The material type is ineligible (e.g. DVD)
- In the case of a thesis, the item is available to read online after free registration with the British Library’s EThOS service
- The item is only available from a source outside the UK
Once we receive your request, we will contact other institutions that hold your required item, and ask if they will lend it to us on your behalf. Not all institutions will lend their materials, so please note that we cannot assume responsibility for the non-supply of a text where the holding institution will not lend to us.
If your request is refused, we will notify you via your GSA email. We will not use your home or personal email – links and instructions for accessing your GSA email are available here.