Interlibrary request service
Guidance on how to use the interlibrary request service University staff and students, Sheffield Teaching Hospital (STH) staff and external customers.
Overview
Before making a request, check the Library catalogue StarPlus and ensure that the item is not in stock, either in print or electronically. If the item is in stock but out on loan you can place a request through StarPlus.
You can also check the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and OpenDOAR: Directory of Open Access Repositories where you may be able to find the full text of the item you require.
If the Library doesn’t have the item you require and you can’t locate it from any other source, we will try to obtain it as an interlibrary request.
This service is expensive and we request you use it only for essential materials. External borrowers will be charged.
See the charges section below for more details.
University staff and students
Staff, postgraduate research students, postgraduate taught students and undergraduates should submit their requests online.
Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students should not normally need to make requests unless they are doing a research module or dissertation research.
Note that the Library reserves the right to share information with your department regarding your requests(s).
Payment options
If you are a registered external borrower, payment can be made via the online store after the item has been received. Information on how to do this will be sent to you once the item has been received.
For any queries contact ilr@sheffield.ac.uk.
Charges
The British Library is the main supplier for our interlibrary requests and most of the following charges are set by them and are only passed on to our users at cost where applicable.
Charges to University staff/students and external visitors
| Service/charges | Charge (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Standard service |
Payment from Library funds or:
|
| Charge for overdue loans | £5.45 |
| Charge for lost and long overdue loans | £194.80 |
| Charge for failure to cancel place on British Library Boston Spa Minibus | £5.00 |
| 24-hour secure electronic delivery of a copy from print | £24.84 |
| 2-hour secure electronic delivery of a copy from print | £37.92 |
| US thesis | £29.50 |
Charges to other libraries
| Service | Charge (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Loans | £17.15 |
| Photocopies | £13.45 |