NOL: inter–library loans

The Inter-Library Loan Service is available to NOCS staff and students.

Enquiries

Enquiries relating to Inter-Library Loan (ILL) requests can be made by:

How to request an Inter-Library Loan

Online Requests can be made via WebCat. You need to login with your Username and password or User ID and PIN to access the ILL service.

You will be informed by the Library if your application is unsuccessful within 10 working days

How long will my request take to supply?

Some requests are supplied very quickly, others take much longer, normally allow up to ten working working days to obtain the item on receipt of application. An urgent action service is available but this incurs extra charges. We will keep in regular contact with you while attempting to supply your request. 

Before applying

  • Check WebCat to make sure we don't have the item you require (this includes all University of Southampton libraries).
  • Is the article available electronically? Many electronic journals now exist. You can visit the resources section of the library website to see a list to which the library subscribes and details of access to other service providers.
  • In addition, a wide range of articles are held at NOL as Loose Papers as part of the library collection. You can search for these on WebCat or in the card catalogue using the authors last name and the title of the journal article.

Making Inter-library Loan requests - tips on what to include

School / Group Staff/RPG TPG UG
SOES 25 2 1
NERC Unlimited - -

Additional requests over and above an individual’s quota will be considered on application by the SOES Library Representative. Please ask at the Library Loans Desk for further information.

Collecting and receiving Inter-Library Loans

Receiving Articles

There are two options:

Electronic delivery

  • Secure Electronic Delivery (SED) for PC users - Articles requested from the British Library (our main supplier) can be supplied electronically to your e-mail account directly from the British Library. Note: the article must be downloaded within 14 days, after which the file is unavailable to you. You will only be able to open the document once to view/and or print it.
  • MAC users only - Articles requested from the British Library can be supplied to you electronically via Ariel Electronic Delivery to your e-mail account. Please mark clearly on your application form that you are a MAC user.

Paper copy

  • Paper copy - forwarded to you via NOCS internal mail, or you can be notified by e-mail that the item is available for collection from the loans desk during service hours.

Collecting Loans

All Inter-library loan (ILL) items must be collected at the National Oceanographic Library loans desk during service hours. Ask for your ILL, giving your name and showing your ID card. You will be asked to sign a receipt. Most loans may be taken out of the Library, but some (e.g. theses) are restricted to use in the Library only. The date that the item must be returned will be shown on the loan slip with the item. It may not be possible to extend the loan, or if the item is renewed this will be added to your quota - so please try and plan ahead when making your application, it may not be possible to obtain the item again.

Returning loans

All items must be returned in person to the National Oceanographic Library Loans Desk during service hours

If there is a problem?

If there is a delay or problem in obtaining the item you have requested, you will be sent a report giving the status of your request. You must respond as directed by the report otherwise your request may be cancelled.
If you require your item urgently, there is an Urgent Action Service available from the British Library which involves extra charges.

Inter-site photocopy requests and staffed photocopy service

NOCS Staff and PhD students may request photocopies of articles from journals and book chapters held in stock at NOL or held at other University of Southampton Libraries sites.
Inter-site photocopy application forms can be downloaded. Please return signed and completed forms to the loans desk at NOL. 

Buying articles online

Paying to view or obtain articles is entirely at your own expense.