How long will it take for a digital ILL to arrive? 

Speed of delivery largely depends on the lending institution. Digital requests can usually be delivered within a couple of days. Some may be delivered within as little as a few hours. However, in rare instances digital requests may take 14 days or longer to handle.  

 

How will I receive my digital ILL? 

Digital ILLs are usually automatically delivered via email to your college email account. There will be a link in the email allowing you to download your item in PDF format. Ensure you read the instructions on the email carefully, there may be limits to how long you are able to access the link or how many times you are able to access it. Accessing digital ILLs will normally require you to have access to a PDF reader.

 

How much does it cost? 

While there is a cost to the University, ILL requests are currently free for all users

 

 

How long will it take a physical ILL to arrive? 

The arrival time of a physical ILL item can vary greatly from a few days to a few weeks, depending on where we are able to source the item from. Requests for physical items can usually be supplied between four and eight days. If the lending partner is overseas it may take between nine and 45 days.  

This means that we cannot guarantee that your request will arrive before a specific date. However, if you do not receive a response within two weeks please contact the ILL Team.   You will receive an email notification once your request arrives.   

If an item arrives after you require it, please let us know as soon as possible so we can return the item.

 

How do I collect my physical ILL? 

For physical items you will receive an email notification once your request arrives. Physical requests can be picked up from the helpdesk near the ground floor entrance to the library during helpdesk opening hours.   

 

How long can I keep a physical ILL book for?  

Loan length for interlibrary loans will depend on the conditions set by the lending library but is normally between 3-6 weeks.   

If you need an item for longer than given, you may request for it to be renewed by emailing the ILL Team. Our team will then let you know if the renewal has been permitted by the lending institution. 

Please be aware that some loans will be 'For Use in the Library Only'. The loan period for these items is the same as other ILL items; however, you cannot remove them from Royal Holloway Library. Your confirmation email should let you know if your item will be restricted to the library. Guidance on using ‘For Use in the Library Only' items can be found further down this page.  

 

How do I return my physical ILL? 

Physical ILL books can be returned to the library helpdesk at any time during helpdesk opening hours. Please ensure that all paperwork with your ILL is returned with your item to help us identify which library it came from.   

Please do not return ILL books through the returns windows or post due to the possibility that the book may become lost.  

 

How do I use a ‘For Use in the Library Only’ item? 

Some ILL items will be 'For Use in the Library Only', which means they cannot be removed from the library.   

You will need to collect the item from the library helpdesk in the Davison Building. Please bring your University card with you and return the item to the library helpdesk before you leave. You must do this each time you wish to use it.   

Please let us know each time you return the item whether you still need to consult the item or if it can be sent back to the lending institution.   

The usual copyright restrictions regarding printed items also apply to Library Only items; however, some Use in Library Only items cannot be photocopied, and this will be stated clearly within the item.

 

How much does a physical ILL cost? 

While there is a cost to the University, ILL requests are currently free for all users.