If you cannot locate the book or journal article you require on the library catalogue or eResources then you can request it as an Interlibrary Loan. This enables the delivery of books or documents from the British Library or from another participating university library.
The Inter-library loans service is not available to Academic Partnership students.
How do I request an item?
Search for your item in the library catalogue as usual, if it is not available from the University of Chichester then tick the Libraries Worldwide option in the filters on the left hand side. Find the item you require in the catalogue and click on it. Then click on the Request item button and the pre-filled request form will open. Check the details and read and tick the copyright declaration, then click Submit request.
What are the costs?
The Library Services Department subsidises Inter-Library Loans, so you do not pay the full cost of a request. The British Library currently charges the University £22.85 per book loan and up to £14.15 to supply a copy of a journal article.
Please note that the British Library charges the University £259.25 for lost or damaged books.
Students (Undergraduate and Masters) #
- The first 5 requests are free, subsequent requests are charged at £2 per item.
All staff and research students (MPhil and PhD) #
- All requests are £2, which is charged to your department.
How long does it take?
The delivery time for books and journals can vary depending on availability. However, journal articles usually arrive within a week, and books typically arrive within two weeks.
How do I receive my request?
Journal articles #
- You will receive an email with download instructions or a PDF attachment, please read the terms and conditions of the supplied request, which will either be in the email or on the document. You are allowed to print one copy of the document.
Books #
- You will receive an email when books have arrived and in most cases, you can collect them from the Support and Information Zone (SIZ) on the Chichester Campus or if you would prefer to collect them from the Bognor Campus please let us know.
- In some cases, the lending library may specify that the book is for reference only and must be used and kept in the library. In that case, the book will be kept in the library office for the duration of the loan and can be used during office hours (9am-5pm) in the library. If you require the book outside of these times, let us know and we will make alternative arrangements.
How do I return my book loan?
Books must be returned to the SIZ at either campus before the due date you have been given.
How long is my loan for?
Loan times for books from the British Library are 10 weeks, we always make requests to the British Library first. If the British Library are unable to fulfil the request, then we will source the loan from another participating university library, in these cases loan times can vary from 4 – 10 weeks. We will let you know the terms when we email you, so please keep an eye out for the email and ensure you collect your books in time to use them.