Library

Find out more about inter-library loans.

What is an inter-library loan?
Library staff may request items on your behalf from other libraries & information service providers if the item you require is not held in this library.

Does this include items held at another SAC campus library?
Most resources held in SAC campus libraries are available to all borrowers, regardless of which campus they have registered with - reference & short loan materials are not normally sent to another campus.

Users may request items from any SAC campus library by asking staff to place a reservation on the library system for them or by placing their own request on the library catalogue.

For more information see Using The Library Catalogue (use the link on the right).

Can anyone request an ILL?
This service is normally offered to final-year students, postgraduate students, and SAC staff only. Exceptionally, if an item of stock that you require has gone missing, we will try to get it from another library for you.

Why aren’t all library users eligible for this service?
Obtaining loans can be expensive and it is often time-consuming for staff to locate a library that is willing to lend. The SAC library service passes on charges to the person who has requested the item. This is why we ask all students requesting ILLs to obtain a counter-signature from a member of staff before we proceed with requests.

Will you ask me for money?
Unless you are willing to cover your own costs, no money changes hands at the counter - charges are normally levied indirectly to SAC departments. This is why we ask all students requesting ILLs to obtain a counter-signature from a member of staff before we proceed with requests.

What information is required when I ask for an ILL?
Put as much information as possible on inter-library loan request forms - you can find forms in your campus library or download a copy from SAC library web pages (use the links on the right).

It’s a good idea to keep a note of where you saw the reference, in case library staff require more information. If there are difficulties in tracing items, we may need to see the original citation, as given in your source of reference. You will also be required to sign a copyright declaration before requests can be processed.

For more information see Library Guide: Copyright & Photocopying

How long will I have to wait?
It depends on which library or information service provider we have requested the loan from. Some heavily used titles may be on waiting lists.

How long can I keep an ILL for?
Again, it will depend on which library or information service provider we have requested it from. You will be given this information when you collect the loan.

Can I renew an ILL?
Renewal is normally available, unless the item is on a waiting list. Again, it will depend on which library or information service provider we have requested it from - check with Library staff in advance of the due date, in case renewal is not possible.

Need more help?
Library staff are here to help. If you have any queries about this topic or anything else concerning the library, please don’t hesitate to ask.  A copy of the inter-library loan request forms (Non-Commercial & Commercial) can be found here (use the links on the right).