Inter Library Loans

If you cannot find what you are looking for in the library, we may be able to get it for you from another library.

How do I request an inter library loan?

You can email us at interlibraryloans.blanchardstown@tudublin.ie.

Provide as much accurate detail as possible about what you want, otherwise you may have to re-apply.

Include details such as:

Author
Title
Publication Date
Publisher
ISBN or ISSN

Note that only books and journal articles can be requested via interlibrary loan; eBooks are not included as part of the scheme.

Who may place a request?

Inter library loans are usually only available to staff or to students who are engaged in original research. They must be approved by the relevant lecturer in advance.

Students can request a maximum of 5 inter library loans per year; thereafter, inter library loans are charged at €14 each.

In certain circumstances, other requests may be considered.

You need to have a library record in good standing. If you have billed, lost, or overdue library or inter library loan books, or if your record is otherwise blocked, you may not use this service until your record is cleared.

How long does an inter library loan take to arrive?

Articles usually arrive at the library within a week to ten days. Books may take a little longer depending on availability. Keep this in mind if you have a deadline.

We will contact you as soon as your item arrives. Items are held behind the library desk. Bring your library card and pick yours up during opening hours. If the item is not picked up after 3 days and no other arrangements have been made, it will be returned to the lending library and future library privileges may be jeopardised.

How long can I keep an inter library loan?

This depends on the lending library. It is usually 2 to 4 weeks. The lending library may recall your item before the due date.

You might be able to keep the item longer than the original due date. Contact the inter library loans team before the due date to check whether your loan can be renewed.

Library privileges may be suspended if your inter library loan is not returned on time.

How do I return an inter library loan?

You must return your inter library loan to a member of staff at the library desk.

How does copyright apply to inter library loans?

It is your responsibility to operate within copyright law (Copyright and Related Rights Act, 2000). Copyright permits only one article request from a journal issue. You will need to sign for requests for journal articles or part works.

We reserve the right to refuse to fill a request if, in our judgement, fulfilment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

My inter library loan is lost / damaged, what do I do?

Let us know as soon as possible.

The loss of items that belong to other libraries may result in our library being blocked in the future.

Charges incurred from lost or damaged material are your responsibility. A bill will be issued to you for the replacement cost of the item. Unpaid charges will result in the suspension of your library privileges.