Supplying to other libraries

While we will not supply materials directly to individuals Durham University is happy to lend books and supply copies to other libraries in response to requests made through inter-library loan or document delivery.

How to make a request

Please send your request to us via email to document.delivery@durham.ac.uk or post (see address on main DDS page). Requests from UK libraries should include:

• clear details of the item you want to borrow or have copied
• a request number and your British Library Billing Account number
• a clear delivery address.

International requests can be paid for with a British Library Billing Account, IFLA vouchers or an invoice.

Materials that we lend

• We will lend standard loan books which are not in great demand from our own users (with exeptions listed below).
• We will not lend periodicals, audio-visual materials, short loan, reference or microfilm/microfiche materials.
• Pre 1850 material is not available for loan and requests for material over 100 years old will be considered on an item by item basis.
• Special collection, college and departmental library materials are not available for loan.
• Theses: We are in the process of making all our theses available electronically and will not lend any theses via ILL. PhD theses are likely to be available for immediate download via British Library's EThOS service. Higher degree theses passed after 1st October 2009 are all freely available online via Durham e-Theses and our other PhD, MA and MSc theses will be added to this repository as they are scanned. It is expected that direct links to these theses will eventually be added to our library catalogue entries, but this is an immense project and will take time.

Copying

We will provide photocopies within copyright guidelines (1 chapter or 5% of an item) and do so on the understanding that requests will only be made for non-commercial research or private study. We reserve the right to refuse to supply if we believe that commercial use will take place. Copies will be delivered electronically where possible and requesting libraries are expected to print the article and delete the electronic copy. Links to electronic articles will remain active for 14 days only.

Journal articles, book chapters and conference papers written by Durham University Researchers may be available via our institutional repository Durham Research Online.

Conditions of loan

• Loans are for 8 weeks.
• Up to two renewals (of 6 weeks each) may be made on application to the library.
• All material is recallable and must be returned immediately if it is required by one of our own members.
• Some items may be loaned on a confined basis: they should not be used outside your library and should be locked away in a secure place when not in use.
• We may ask for rare or valuable material to be returned using compensated post (or it's equivalent) as this provides better protection.

Overdue or Lost items

• The borrowing library is responsible for any loss or damage to materials loaned to them.
• Fines are not charged to other libraries for items returned late, although prompt return is appreciated.
• Automated courtesy and overdue notices are sent out for loans.
• If an item is lost please let us know and we will charge the cost to replace the item and a handling fee.
• We reserve the right to refuse loans to libraries where there is a significant problem with non-return of items.