This page gives details on the Inter-library loans service where we can try to obtain items for you from other libraries in the UK. If you are looking to request a scan or postal loan from an item that is held by RGU Library then please take a look at the appropriate sections in our Borrowing pages instead. The inter-library loan service should only be used for items that RGU Library does not hold.

How it works

The Inter-Library Loan (ILL) service can try to source items for you if they are not available from our own print or electronic collections.

You can request the following:

• books
• reports
• single chapters from books *
• journal parts *
• journal articles *

* No more than one article from any issue of a journal, or one chapter of a book (or up to 10% of the whole item, whichever is greater), may be requested. These limits are set by UK copyright law and the Library cannot exceed them. If your request exceeds these limits then it will be rejected. You'll be asked to submit a new request that complies with the legal limits.

Who can make a request?

Any RGU student (with the exception of those on short courses) or member of staff can place a request for an inter-library loan. Before you make the request, please note the following:

• Check! Around 50% of the requests we receive are already available within RGU Library collections or are freely available on the internet. Please ensure you have checked LibrarySearch and the relevant databases. You may find it useful to install the LibKey Nomad browser extension as this will help identify RGU subscribed content when searching online. Google Scholar is also a very useful tool for checking both RGU subscribed content and whether the item you require is available on open access terms. To set RGU Library in Google Scholar go to the three bars at the top left of the home page, choose Library Links, and search for Robert Gordon University.
• Prioritise! We know it can be tempting to request a whole list of articles or books but we ask that you be sure that you really need the item before submitting the form.

Place a Request

University staff and students can place inter-library loan requests using the library catalogue - LibrarySearch. If you find something that does not offer full text, ensure you are logged in to your account and then just click on the inter-library loan link to place your request.

Alternatively, you can place a request using our blank request form.

Request Charges

There is no charge to students or staff for requesting an inter-library loan. The Library covers the cost of obtaining items via our membership of ILL schemes. However, charges may be applied if an item is returned late, lost, or damaged. Any charges set by the lending library will be passed onto the borrower. Most ILLs are fulfilled with electronic copies so ILLs are completely free for most borrowers.

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How long will it take to receive my request?

We cannot guarantee to obtain any item within a specified period. Articles from mainstream journals can often arrive within a few hours of making your request where others might take a few days. More obscure items may take several weeks or longer. We may also occasionally be unable to source an item due to availability or copyright restrictions. If that happens then we'll get in touch and let you know.

Can I renew the book I received?

To renew an inter-library loan, please email ill@rgu.ac.uk. You should always do this well before the due date as we will have to send your request to the lending library. We'll let you know the new due date or will get in touch if the lending library has refused the request. They may require the item to be returned for their own borrowers.

How do I collect or receive my Inter-Library loan?

• Scans of journal articles and single chapters from books will be emailed to your RGU email address.
• Books for staff and students who are not online learners should be collected from the library.
• Online Learners based in the UK can have inter-library loan books posted to their address via recorded delivery. As with our regular postal loan system, you will be responsible for the return postage costs.