Services
Inter Library Loan service
Quick download - Inter Library Loan request form (PDF version)
You may also download a Word version of the request form . Please scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the link for 'Inter Library Loan Request Form (Word)'
Please complete and sign before sending to the Library either by post or by fax. You may also scan and email a form if it has been signed.
What is an Inter Library Loan (ILL)?
Who can use the ILL service?
How do I request an ILL?
How much will it cost me?
How long does it take?
What if I need an item urgently?
How do I request items held at another ILS library?
How will I know my ILL has arrived?
Where do I collect my ILL?
How long may I keep my ILL?
Can I ask for an ILL to be renewed?
What happens if my ILL is recalled?
What happens if I lose my ILL?
What is an Inter Library Loan (ILL)?
If you require a book or journal article that is not available in our collection, or online then we can obtain it for you from other sources, including:
- British Library Document Supply Centre
- British Medical Association (BMA) Library
- Library and Health Information Network Northwest (LIHNN)
- University of Liverpool
Who can use the ILL service?
The ILL service is available to those either employed or on placement with Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH), NHS Wirral or Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC).
How do I apply for an Inter Library Loan?
For each request you must fill in an Inter Library Loan request form. Electronic signatures are not yet valid for copyright declarations therefore, to comply with copyright legislation you must print off, complete, sign and return your form to your nearest branch of the Integrated Library Service.
How much will it cost me?
Charges for Interlibrary Loans vary according to the source; please refer to the table below for charges:
| ILL source |
Photocopies |
Loans |
Book Renewals |
| British Library |
£7.20 |
£11.15 |
£4.15 |
| BMA |
£4.70 |
£3.90 |
Free |
| LIHNN / ILS stock / Online |
10p per page |
Free |
Free |
| University of Liverpool |
£3.50 |
£5.50 |
£5.00 |
We always try where possible to source your ILL as inexpensively as possible.
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) staff do not pay for ILLs since this is covered by a Service Level Agreement.
It is possible for costs to be charged to your department if you get permission from an authorised signatory in your Division responsible for a budget (e.g. Divisional Manager). Please complete a Divisional Charge Form and return it to your nearest library branch.
How long does it take?
This will also vary according to the source, but on average it takes between 5 – 7 working days. We will notify you if there are any delays or problems with your request.
What if I need an item urgently?
Photocopies that are needed urgently (i.e. in less than a day’s notice) can be obtained by e-mail or fax at a premium rate, please refer to the table below for charges:
| University of Liverpool |
£5.00 |
| BMA Library |
£12.40 |
| British Library |
£22.00 |
How do I request items held at another ILS library?
You can request material held at an Integrated Library Service (ILS) site other than your 'home' library (i.e. McArdle Library or John A. Aitken Library). You can use this service to request items from one library site to be delivered for collection at another. For example, if you work at Arrowe Park Hospital you may request items from the John A. Aitken Library at Clatterbridge. There are no charges for books loans which are supplied to other sites. However, you will be required to pay 10p per sheet for any photocopies you request.
How will I know my ILL has arrived?
When your ILL has arrived the library will contact you by telephone or e-mail using the details you have supplied on your Inter Library Loan request form. If you would prefer us to contact you by an alternative method, please notify library staff when handing in your request form.
Once you have been contacted, it is your responsibility to collect your articles or books as soon as possible. If any items remain uncollected you will still be charged for ordering the items. Items will be held by the ILS for the following time periods:
Books: 2 weeks
Journal articles: 3 months
Where do I collect my ILL?
Photocopies/borrowable items
You will be required to collect your items from the ILS library at which you submitted your request. Photocopies may be sent out to your work address on request. Please discuss this with library staff. Please note you will have to join the Library if you are borrowing a book.
How long may I keep my ILL?
Photocopies
Photocopies may be kept by the user.
Items for loan
Loan periods for books vary depending on the supplying source. When collecting your item ask the library staff or check the date label in the front of the book to confirm the return date.
Can I ask for an ILL to be renewed?
If you need to extend the loan period of an item, ask the library staff. They will contact the relevant library and inform you if a renewal is possible. (This may not always be possible if the item has been requested by another user.) They will then confirm the renewal date. A renewal may also involve an additional charge. Please ask library staff for more information.
What happens if my ILL is recalled?
If your ILL is recalled you MUST return it immediately to the library from where you collected it. Persistent late returns could jeopardise any future service. Charges for overdue loans will be passed on to you, the borrower.
The British Library charge £68.75 for administration costs if an item is not returned on time. Any such charges will be passed on to you, the borrower.
What happens if I lose my ILL?
If you lose the item you have loaned, you will be asked to pay for the replacement cost of the item. Depending on the source, you may be asked to pay additional costs.
The British Library imposes a minimum charge of £137.50 for lost items, and other lending libraries may have a similar charging structure. Any such charges will be passed on to you, the borrower.
ILL request form v10 word format