Interlibrary Requests

• Video transcript

  If something you need isn't in our Library, don't worry, we have you covered.

  You can request books and copies through our Interlibrary request service.

  Wherever possible we will instantly fulfill book requests with an eBook and send you a link via email.

  If an eBook isn't available we'll request a physical book instead.

  You can collect physical book requests from our Library Service Desk and we'll email journal articles or book chapters direct to your Sussex email address.

  Start by checking Library search to ensure the item is not already available.

  If we don't have the item you need you can go ahead and place your Interlibrary Request.

  Head over to the Library website, click through to find and request books then go to Request an item from another library.

  This page explains all you need to know about the Interlibrary Request service, placing an order and how many free requests you get.

  Once you're happy you can place your order.

  You will be taken through to your login at this point.

  You will need either your Sussex ID if you're a student or staff member or your user ID and password for non-members.

  There are two options. Select either the book request form for a book, book chapter or conference proceeding, or the article request form for a journal article or conference paper.

  Enter in as much bibliographic detail as you can, including title, author, ISBN or ISSN, publisher, publication date, and page numbers.

  A quick online search will usually bring up all the details you need.

  Remember the more detailed information you can enter, the quicker we can process your request.

  Do add in any other information you think would be useful for us to have in the Any further information to support your request field, such as if you don't want us to supply a physical book.

  Once you've completed the form, and in order to comply with copyright all you need to do is read and agree the copyright declaration by ticking the check box.

  Then hit Send Request and leave the rest to us.

  We'll contact you if we have any questions about your request or we're unable to locate the item.

  If you have any questions about the Interlibrary Request service please contact us at library.interlib@sussex.ac.uk.

  You can see the progress of your request in your library account.

 

The ILR service supports your research by obtaining materials not held in the University Library.

• Placing a request
  1. Check Availability: Check Library Search before requesting to ensure the item is not already in stock or available electronically
  2. Submit Request: Click on the 'Place an Interlibrary Request' box at the top of this page. Sign in with your Sussex username and password.
  3. Select Form: Choose the Book Request form for a book, book chapter or conference proceedings or the Article Request form for a journal article or conference papers.
  4. Fill in Details: Provide the full bibliographic details to speed up your request. 
  5. Copyright Declaration: Read and agree to the terms by ticking the check box before submitting your request. 
• Interlibrary Request limits
  • Undergraduates - 20 requests per year
  • Postgraduate, Staff & Faculty - 50 requests per year 
  • Associates - 5 requests per year

  Limits run from 1st September - 31st August. Once the annual limit has been reached requests will be charged at the full rate of £18.00 for a loan and £12.00 for a photocopy. 

• Charges and loan periods
  • UK Requests: Free up to annual limit (£18 for a physical loan / £12 for a photocopy thereafter).
  • International Requests: £20 for a physical loan / £10 for a photocopy 
  • Non-University related work: £18 for a physical loan / £12 for a photocopy
  • Renewals: £4 per renewal
  • Late Fees: 50p per day, up to £10.00 per item. Failure to return within seven days of notice results in a £214.30 charge.
  • Public Members: £18 (for use in the Library only). 
  • Most Interlibrary Requests are supplied to us by the British Library Document Supply Centre within a week. We will notify you by email if there is likely to be a delay obtaining an item. 
• Additional Services

  EThOS: Access to UK doctoral theses. Contact us for non-digitised copies. 

  Systematic Reviews: Inform the Research Support team for support and flexibility with ILRs. 

• British Library Articles

  For articles from the British Library, we use Secure Electronic Delivery to your Sussex email, unless you request a paper copy. If desktop delivery isn't possible, we will email the article.

  For more information and troubleshooting, visit our British Library Articles page.

Frequently asked questions

• How many items can I request?

  Interlibrary Requests within the UK are free up to the following limits per year (September 1st - August 31st):

  • Undergraduates: 20 requests

  • Postgraduates, academic and research staff: 50 requests

  • Associate members of staff: 5 requests

  There are charges for obtaining a loan or photocopy of an article from abroad. Details are on our Charges and Loan Periods page. Once the annual limit is reached, requests are charged at £18.00 for a loan and £12.00 for a photocopy.

• How long does it take?

  • Articles: Up to three working days, depending on delivery method. It may take longer if we cannot source from the British Library.

  • Loans: Usually within ten working days if from the British Library, or two weeks if from another university library.

• How can I check the progress of my request?

  Log into you Library Account and select 'requests'. 

• Can interlibrary requests be renewed online? 

  No, as items are on loan from another library with different lending periods. Contact Interlibrary Requests a few days before the due date to see if renewal is possible. Renewals are usually granted unless the item is recalled.

  • Phone: 01273 678162

  • Email: library.interlib@sussex.ac.uk

  The renewal charge is £4

• What are the fines on overdue interlibrary loans?

  • Overdue fines: 50p per day, up to £10 per item.

  • Lost item charge: £214.30 if more than three weeks overdue.
• Are there any copyright restrictions when requesting copies of materials?

  Yes, the following restrictions apply:

  • Only one article from a journal issue.

  • Only one chapter from a book.

  • Copies can be used only for research for a non-commercial purpose or private study.

  • Copies cannot be supplied to another person.

  • The material should not have been supplied to you previously.

  • No other person with whom you work or study should have requested substantially the same material for the same purpose.

• Are there any materials that are difficult to get through the interlibrary request service? 

  Some materials are harder to obtain, such as:

  • Pre-1890 publications

  • Copies of print theses

  • Material held in special collections and archives

  • Material in high demand

  If this applies, we will contact you with available options.

  Access to Theses: UK and Abroad

  Many doctoral theses are available in full-text online through services like EThOS for UK theses and Proquest Dissertations and Theses for North American theses (1997 onwards). Some UK doctoral theses are available to lend in hard copy if not available on EThOS. Pre-2001 North American theses may be available on microfilm or microfiche from the British Library Document Supply Centre. Some UK research libraries may also hold copies of North American doctoral theses in print and may be willing to lend.

   For more details, see our Library Guide for access to Theses and Dissertations.