Library Services allow users to obtain documents not available via Queen Mary Library through the inter-library loans service
Inter-library loan requests are sent to other libraries and institutions who may have access to the documents, and a copy is obtained for the requester through them.
Various resources can be requested, such as:
- Journal articles & journal volumes
- Books & book chapters
- Conference proceedings
- Theses
- Patents
Documents obtained via the inter-library loans service can be used for the purpose of private, non-commercial research only.
Inter-Library Loans for Queen Mary Students and Staff
Placing an inter-library loan request
Please ensure you have searched the following channels before you make an inter-library loan request:
Once you are satisfied that you cannot obtain the material through any of the channels above, please use the inter-library loan request forms to place your request.
When submitting your request, please pay particular attention to the mandatory information to avoid delays in the processing of your request or your request being cancelled.
Eligibility
This is service is currently available to:
- Queen Mary staff
- Postgraduate research students (PGR)
- Postgraduate taught students (PGT)
- Undergraduates (UG)
The maximum number of requests per academic year is 40 for Staff and Postgraduate Students, and 10 for Undergraduate Students.
How long will it take?
Digital articles and chapters – we aim to deliver these within 24 hours (Mon – Fri)
Loanable (physical) items from other UK and overseas institutions – we aim to provide those within 10 days, dependent on availability
Whilst every effort is made to locate requested items, there may be occasions when they cannot be obtained.
Receiving your inter-library loan request
Details on how to access digital articles and chapters will be sent directly to your Queen Mary email inbox.
Loanable items (e.g. books) can be collected from Mile End Library. You will be notified by email when they have arrived.
Please be aware that some institutions may provide a 'reference only' item. These items must not be removed from the library and can only be consulted within the library.
Inter-Library Loans for External Institutions
Requesting a document from Queen Mary Libraries
Requests from other institutions can be made by sending an email to ill@qmul.ac.uk. The email should include the following details:
- Your British Library customer number
- Your reference number for the request
- Request details (Title, Author, year, page numbers, volume/issue if relevant)
Payment is charged at the current British Library rate.
Theses
Requests for Queen Mary theses may be made through the British Library's EThOS.
Please note, due to a cyber-attack on the British Library, EThOS is currently unavailable. In the meantime, you can search for doctoral theses in the main British Library catalogue or download a copy of the EThOS metadata in spreadsheet format.
For any enquiries regarding Queen Mary theses, please see our Thesis Collection page and contact the Open Research team.
International institutions
Requests from outside the UK are accepted and can be made by emailing ill@qmul.ac.uk with the details of the request.
We accept IFLA vouchers as payment and will inform requesting institutions of the number of vouchers required upon receipt of your request.