Access to other libraries
Information about how students and staff at The University of Nottingham can access resources at other libraries:
Interlibrary loans
The interlibrary loans service lets you request items that you need for your academic studies but are not in our stock.
This service can be used by all registered borrowers EXCEPT external borrowers and some NHS borrowers.
Please note that interlibrary loans cannot be sent through the postal loans service.
It is important to check carefully that what you need is definitely not in our stock before you apply.
Each individual is given a quota of requests for the academic session from August − July inclusive:
Additional information
This service is heavily subsidised – the library pays at least £5 for each photocopy and £9 for each loan request plus return postage.
Any requests beyond your maximum quota are charged at a higher rate of £4.47 plus VAT where applicable.
Items supplied from overseas may cost more and library staff will inform you in advance of any additional charges.
VAT
Students are exempt from paying VAT.
Members of the University staff ARE liable to pay VAT unless payment is made by departmental account. Vouchers are available from library lending desks as payment/pre-payment for interlibrary loans (£1.00 or £4.47). Vouchers have an expiry date and advance notice will be given of any price increases.
You can also pay by cash: £1.00 + VAT, £2.50 + VAT (NUH Staff) or £4.47 + VAT.
Requesting
Requests for interlibrary loans are made via the University of Nottingham Library Online Catalogue (UNLOC ). Please see Pathway2Information for a step-by-step guide.
Cancellations
It is usually not possible to cancel a request after it has been processed but if you contact inter-library loan staff, they will advise you.
Please note:
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restricted material – occasionally items are lent to us for use in the library only. This condition must be observed
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you are responsible for all items issued to you until they are returned
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you will be invoiced for lost items
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once you have made a request you are committed to paying for it
Photocopies
Photocopies can be sent to you (either by post or electronically) provided that we have received both a signed copyright declaration form and cash/vouchers as pre-payment. For further information about the electronic article delivery service, or if you require an article in an alternative format, please contact the relevant interlibrary loans team.
UK PhD theses
PhD theses can be obtained through the British Library's Electronic Thesis Online Service (EThoS). Register for the service through the Ethos website. Many theses are available for free download and others can be ordered from participating institutions.
Requests for overseas theses may be made through the standard interlibrary loans service
SCONUL Access
SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme for many library users working or studying at over 170 participating higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland. It enables staff and students from one institution to access resources at other SCONUL Access member libraries.
The following groups are usually allowed to borrow items:
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academic staff
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postgraduate research students registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification
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part-time, distance learning and placement students
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full-time postgraduates
A reference only service is provided for most full-time undergraduate students.
Please note:
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admission and borrowing rights are always at the discretion of the host library
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the host library will decide how many and which type of items you can borrow
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you may want to check the host library’s catalogue before your visit
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there is no automatic right to IT access although some do offer limited services. Please check the members list for full details
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you must comply with the host library rules and you are responsible for any fines or charges incurred
How to use the scheme if you are entitled to borrow items
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you will be given a SCONUL Access Card provided you have cleared any outstanding debts or overdue books
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before you visit always check their opening hours and any conditions of use eg they may only issue cards at certain times or may require a photograph
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take your SCONUL Access Card and your University Card to the library and they will give you a library card enabling you to borrow from the host library. This card will be valid for three years or until your course/contract expires if earlier
How to use the scheme if you are entitled to reference access
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apply at any of our
lending desks for a SCONUL Access Reference Card
SCONUL Vacation Access
If you are an undergraduate or taught course postgraduate student at the University of Nottingham you will normally be granted reference access to other higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland during the vacation of the host library. This scheme does not provide borrowing or access to electronic information sources.
How to use the scheme
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check the library’s web pages or phone in advance to check their vacation dates, opening hours and any documentation required
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admission to the library is always at the discretion of the host library
Access to IT
Limited access to IT services may be available at other universities through walk-in user services or the JANET Roaming Service.