Inter Library loans

The inter library loan service is a means of obtaining books and other study materials which are not held in your own public library. The service is open to anyone but is primarily aimed at people requiring essential materials for study purposes, whether a formal course or a personal interest in a subject.

There will be a charge, as detailed below, for each item requested through the inter library loan service, with other charges being applied in some cases. View our Acceptable Use Policy for further details. This document also includes an application form which can be printed off at home and posted to us if you find it difficult to visit the library (Adobe Reader is required to view and print the form).

Please refer to the frequently asked questions below for further information on this service:

Q: How do I request materials?

A: Application forms are available from the desk at both Kirkwall and Stromness libraries and also via the mobile library service. If it is not possible to visit these service points in person applications can be made by printing off the application form and, after completing and signing it, posting it to Orkney Library & Archive.

Q: Is there a charge for using this service?

A: There is a charge of £2.50 per item requested, with other charges being applied in some cases. The cost of acquiring a British Standard will be the full cost of the request as set by the British Library.The cost of acquiring a PhD Thesis can vary according to the supplier.

Q: What type of materials may be requested?

A: The service provides access to a range of materials i.e. text books, thesis reports, photocopies of journal articles, musical scores and librettos etc. If in doubt contact Maureen Drever.

Q: How long will I have to wait for materials?

A: Unfortunately it is not possible to guarantee how long it will take to obtain an item. It depends on the general availability of the item and which library supplies it. For this reason we advise anyone requiring materials for a set course to apply well in advance of assignment dates.

Q: How long is the loan period?

A: The loan period is stipulated by the library supplying the request, but generally it's about 3-4 weeks. Renewals may be possible but this is, again, at the discretion of the lending library.

Q: What happens if I need to cancel a request?

A: It is not possible to cancel a request once it has been made, therefore we advise users to only request items that are essential to their needs.