ILDS summary and training aid

Here is a quick checklist to help with processing inter-library loan and document supply (ILDS) requests.

Step 1 - check the reference is complete​

You may find some requests take the form of a link to the online version of the journal, for example https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1816150. Click on the link to find the details. If link isn’t working, ask for a  complete reference.​

Other requests may be submitted verbally, hand written or by email. In these cases it can be prudent to check the reference using a tool such as PubMed Single Citation Matcher or Google Scholar​.

Step 2 - find the full text of the article ​

Deciding where to look for full text can be quite daunting, so stick to a standard sequence of locations.  Check your local practice for this.  The following is a logical sequence:​

  1. Your library holdings, NHS Core Content, ​locally / regionally purchased online subscriptions.​

  2. Your regional ILDS network​.

  3. NULJ or PLCS (if your library is a member)​.

  4. Other regional ILDS networks following the INC scheme rota​.

  5. Failing the above you can send your request to ​[email protected] (you need to join this mailing list before you can send to it).

  6. The British Library, and for Copyright Fee Paid articles use a BL CFP account or Reprints Desk.

Step 3 - send your request to another location ​

Make sure your request includes the following details:​

  • journal title, year, volume, (part), page numbers
  • article title and author​
  • your postal address, phone number, and email address​
  • the name of your regional ILDS scheme and your library code, for example EDEN WSH​

​Abide by ILL etiquette/ guidelines​

  • send no more than 3 requests to one location per day ​
  • telephone in advance for exceptionally long articles; you can find library contact details on HLISD ​
  • always acknowledge receipt of an article once you have checked it​
  • read the ILDS good practice guidelines

Page last reviewed: 1 December 2023