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What are inter-library loans?

If we do not stock a book or journal article in the Library and you need it for your learning, teaching or research, we can normally borrow if for you from another library. These are called inter-library loans.

Who can request an inter-library loan?

All students, staff and researchers at the Glasgow School of Art can use our inter-library loan service.

How much will it cost?

A contribution of £3.00 per request is required. If the request is not filled this will be refunded.

Why am I charged for an inter-library loan?

Each request costs the Library over £10.00 and significantly more for overseas requests. The Library meets a substantial part of these charges, but requires users to contribute £3.00 per request.

How many requests can I place each academic year?

Please contact Library staff if your area of study requires a greater number of applications.

How do I place a request?

Simply print and fill in a request form or pick up a paper copy from the Library Service Desk. Forms must be taken to the library and payment made before the request can be processed.

Please ensure that you complete the form in BLOCK CAPITALS and give as much information as possible. You must also ensure you sign the copyright declaration. We regret that incomplete or illegible forms cannot be processed.

If your request is for a dissertation or thesis you will also need to complete a thesis declaration form

What information do you need in order to process my request?

We will need as full a reference as you can provide. This is because incomplete information can lead to delays in processing your request. In general we will need details of:

Are inter-library loan requests ever refused?

Sometimes the library we have asked to borrow an item from can refuse to lend the item, which may mean we are unable to satisfy your request. If your request is not filled , a refund will be issued.

When will my inter-library loan arrive?

The time it takes for your inter-library loan to arrive can vary. This is because we borrow items from many different libraries.

How long will I be able to borrow my inter-library loan for?

The normal loan period is for up to six weeks however this period is set by the lending institution. On occasion some items have restrictions set on them by the issuing library. This may mean that the item is available for reference in the GSA Library only.

Can I renew my inter-library loan?

You can normally renew your inter-library loan if the issuing library allows this, though you will need to come into the Library to do so. Inter-library loans cannot be renewed online like other books you may have from our own collections.

Sometimes the lending library will place restrictions on the item, which may mean you cannot renew it. This can sometimes occur if someone else has requested it from the issuing library.

Please ensure that you apply for renewal on or before the date due back.

Is there a charge for renewing my interlibrary loan?

There is a charge of £3 per item to renew inter-library loans.

What about copyright?

UK copyright guidelines state that you may receive photocopies of:

If you require more than the prescribed limit you should ask to borrow the item instead. The same copyright restrictions apply and you will not be able to make copies over the amount stated above.

Can I photocopy inter-library loans?

You will normally be allowed to photocopy inter-library loans, subject to the copyright limits displayed near the photocopiers. However, the issuing library may place photocopy restrictions on an item, and you will not be able to photocopy in these cases.

Can I access books and journals in other libraries rather than place inter-library loan requests?

If the book or journal article is readily available in other libraries to which you have access, we would encourage you to access it there. You will be able to get the information you need straight away, without having to wait.

You may even be able to borrow the item in question. There are access schemes you can join via the GSA Library, which may give you borrowing rights at other libraries depending on your category of readership. Visit our Other Libraries section of the Library Website to see which schemes you can join.

What happens if the item is lost or damaged whilst I have it?

If the item is from the British Library, we will pass on to you the amount charged by the British Library for lost items; currently £133.50 (more will be charged if the item is more expensive to replace).

If the item is from another institution you would be charged the replacement cost of the item plus a £15.00 administration charge.

Who should I contact if I have an inter-library loan enquiry?