Inter-library loans

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If you require access to a book or journal article that is not available in the university E-resource subscriptions, or physically at one of the UHI partner libraries, it's usually possible to obtain the item by inter-library loan. The library can borrow books and purchase photocopies of journal articles from any other HE institutions involved in the scheme. 

Who can use this service?

All staff and students can request materials they require for their coursework or academic research. Requests for materials unrelated to academic work will not be accepted. 

Before requesting a loan

  • Please remember to check the item is not already available on the library catalogue. 

  • Ensure there is nothing else suitable in our current electronic resource subscriptions (please ask library staff for advice if you’re unsure). 

How much does it cost?

While the British Library’s automated On Demand system is unavailable due to a major cyber-attack, an interim manual service is in place for Library Privilege requests only. 

The British Library now charges the following fixed rates: 

  • Loans: £18.85 per item
  • Scanned articles (e-delivery): £11.70 per item 

Your library absorbs these costs, so please only request material that is essential to your research or teaching. 

Our local policy remains: 

  • First 5 requests: no charge
  • Subsequent requests: charged at the full British Library rate
  • Loan period is 12 weeks. Renewals are not available. 

What service is currently available?

The British Library can supply loans and scans from print books and journals held at: 

  • Boston Spa
  • Selected London collections 

This service is available only to Business Account holders and for Library Privilege orders. 

How long do they take to arrive?

Delivery times vary depending on where the item is held and whether it is currently on loan: 

  • Book loans: Usually arrive within one week, unless the item is already on loan or placed on a waiting list, which can cause delays.
  • Journal articles and scans: Typically arrive within one week if held by the British Library. If the request must be forwarded to another library, it can take several weeks.
  • Scanned items are delivered by email or via WeTransfer for larger files. 

Can I renew borrowed items?

Yes, but any renewals will count towards your free entitlement. Please contact the library at least 3 days before the item due date if you wish to keep it for longer.

Can I copy the articles?

Articles are intended for individual use only. If you are a member of staff and require a digitised version for use on the VLE you must state this when ordering. It is necessary to order a copyright-cleared version at an additional cost (usually an extra £10 - £60).

How do I request an article/loan?

Email the bibliographic details to library@perth.uhi.ac.uk and clearly state it's an Inter-library loan. 

Include as many of the bibliographic details (title, author, publisher) as you can, along with your student or staff number.  

Please contact the library if you require any further detail. 

Postgraduate and Research Staff Requests (UHI-Funded) 

All postgraduate students (including Master’s students) and research staff are covered by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) for Inter-Library Loan and scan requests. 

Requests must be submitted through the UHI request form.

There is no direct charge to you for requests submitted via this route, as costs are covered centrally by UHI. Please continue to request only material that is essential for your research or academic work. 

Delivery times and availability depend on the supplying library, including the British Library’s interim manual service.