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LLR Library Services: Inter-library Loans

Inter-Library Loans

Can't find what you need in our collection? If a book or journal article you need for your research isn't held by LSBU as an inter-library loan you can request it using the instructions detailed in the helpsheet below.

The Information Skills Librarian can help you decide if you need to make an inter-library loan request. You may find the resources you need are already available at LSBU if you know where to look.

Things to note:

  • We do not accept requests from students who owe more than £10 in library fines.
  • We cannot accept requests for material we already stock. Please check the library catalogue before submitting an inter-library loan request. If items are out on loan, you can place a hold on them and receive the first available copy.
  • The loans are not counted as part of your standard loan allowance.

If you have any questions on inter-library loans please contact the team on ill@lsbu.ac.uk

SCONUL logo

SCONUL Access Scheme


Is there another University library closer to your home or work? 

You can join over 200 other University Libraries in the UK and Ireland through the SCONUL Access Scheme

All students can access the libraries' study spaces and get reference access to books, though only post-graduate and part-time undergraduates can borrow books


How do I join?

Online on the SCONUL website.  Please use your LSBU email address when you apply so we know who you are.

Your application will be approved by the LSBU library staff and you need to make sure you have no library fines or other library account problems before you apply.

Once approved - we'll send you an email which you take along to the library you want to join as well as your LSBU ID card.

SCONUL website

 

SCONUL access exceptions to other university libraries

City University of London

Between 27th December 2022 and 27th January 2023, SCONUL Access Reference Users (Band R) will not be able to access libraries at City, University of London.  This is due to pressure on study space and resources during the busy assessment period.

They will not register new SCONUL Access users in this period but existing Band A, B and C users are not affected by these changes.


University of Greenwich

SCONUL users will not be able to access the Stockwell Street and Avery Hill campus libraries from Monday 10th April 2023 to Friday 19th May 2023 (inclusive). This is due to the high level of demand for resources and study space during exam period. SCONUL users will be able to access the services at the Drill Hall Campus Library (Chatham) during this time.   

The SCONUL webpage reflects these changes.

Access25Green and yellow access 25 logo

Postgraduate research students and staff in the member libraries of the M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries are eligible to join the scheme. View the directory of M25 Members here.

You can also download an application form from their website which you should return to one of our LSBU libraries to obtain an Access25 card.

Access25 Website

Library Hub DiscoverDark Green Background with Library Hub Discover in white

If LSBU doesn't have the book or journal you need you can use the new Library Hub Discover to search the merged catalogues of over 110 major UK academic and specialist libraries including the UK's National Libraries (like the British Library).

More libraries are due to add their catalogues in the next few months. Library Hub Discover covers both books and journals (and replaces the previous COPAC and SUNCAT services.

Library Hub Discover Search

British Library Online Thesis DatabaseImage of the EThOS e-theses online service logo.

The British Library's EThOS scheme provides access to more than 250,000 theses from UK universities.  

How it works:

  • After registering on the EThOS website you can search the database for UK theses.
  • Many theses are available for instant, free, digital download. You can also request a copy on paper or disc but there is a charge for this.
  • If you are the first person to request a thesis you will need to wait for it to be digitised. This normally takes around 30 days. The British Library will email you when it is ready. 

When theses must be digitised there is sometimes a fee:

  • If you are a postgraduate MPhil or PhD researcher then you can submit an inter-library loan request to us. We will ask EThOS for the thesis, pay the fee, and let you know when it's ready.
  • If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student then you will have to pay the fee to EThOS.

EThOS Online Service

The British LibraryImage of the British Library's Logo with the text: 'The British Library. Explore the world's knowledge'

The British Library is the UK's largest library with over 150 million items in most known languages.

It is entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the UK and Ireland.

Most of its items are kept in closed storage - you'll need to request them and then use them in the British Library's reading rooms.

How do I join?

BL reader passes are free but you will need to give details of the material you wish to consult. You will also need to show personal identification and proof of address.

You can find full registration information on the British Library's website.

British Library Search

Image of a laptop with books on the laptop screen.