Inter Library Loans transcript
Interview with Deirdrie Gregory By Andrea Hurt
Andrea
We’re on the ground floor of the Baillieu Library, and have come to the Inter Library Loan information desk. Deirdrie Gregory works here and is going to tell us about this service. Hi Dee, what is ILL?
Deirdrie
Hi Andy. Inter library loans and document delivery is a service that supports staff and students engaged in research and/or teaching activities, by providing access to materials directly related to research or study at the University. We obtain material from any number of Australian and overseas sources, as long as it’s not held within the University of Melbourne Library. We also provide reciprocal access to our collections to other libraries and institutions.
Andrea
So who is eligible for Inter Library Loans?
Deirdrie
This service is available for University staff, and students enrolled in:
- Masters and Ph.D courses
- MA Preliminary Year
- Postgraduate Diploma courses
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Honours students may use this service for the research component of their course; approval by the student's Supervisor is required for these requests
There are other exceptions, so if you would like to see if you are eligible, please come and see the friendly staff in Inter Library Loans.
Andrea
So how do you actually make a request?
Deirdrie
Well, for post graduates and staff it’s as simple as filling out an online request form, which is available from our website and also the main menu of the library catalogue. As mentioned earlier, honours students require their supervisor’s signature, so they are able to download the form from our website or they can drop in to the Inter Library Loan counter to collect one.
Andrea
And what about the issue of Copyright?
Deirdrie
Good question Andy! Any requests for reproductions must, of course comply with the Australian Copyright Act 1968. Therefore all Inter Library Loan request forms contain a mandatory copyright declaration. In cases where your request is found to breach the copyright law, Inter Library Loan staff will inform you and advise an alternative access to the information.
Andrea
Is there any cost to use the service?
Deirdrie
Currently the University Library covers the cost of most Inter Library Loans. Full cost recovery however, may be charged for certain requests, such as the purchase of theses. Inter Library Loan staff will inform you in these instances before proceeding with the request.
Andrea
And how long does it take?
Deirdrie
In most cases material is received within 5 to 10 working days. Many journal articles arrive in 2 or 3 days, while some requests such as overseas loans, can take much longer. Supply time does vary according to where the material is located and how quickly that library or supplier responds. Generally overseas loans can take 2-6 weeks.
Andrea
So when an Inter Library Loan has been supplied, how do patrons receive their items?
Deirdrie
Patrons will be notified by email when the item has been received. Books and other items for loan can be collected from the Inter Library Loans info desk during our opening hours, which is 10am – 6pm Monday to Friday. Alternative arrangements however, can be made for collection outside these hours, so please contact Inter Library Loans.
Andrea
Do you need to bring ID to collect the items?
Deirdrie
Yes. Staff and students need to present their library borrowing card in order to collect items.
Andrea
And are there any restrictions?
Deirdrie
Indeed. Some lending libraries place restrictions on material that they supply. So you may be required to use the item within the library only, or sign a declaration that you have read it. We will notify you if material that you have requested has restrictions upon it.
Andrea
What about copies?
Deirdrie
Most copies are now supplied to the library electronically. These are then forwarded to your email as an attachment in pdf. Where a document cannot be sent electronically, it will be delivered via post in hardcopy.
Andrea
Like our books, can Inter Library Loans be renewed?
Deirdrie
Renewals are granted at the discretion of the lending library. Requests for renewals must be made prior to the due date. Patrons can contact Inter Library Loans staff to request a renewal.
Andrea
Are there any other services that Inter Library Loans offer?
Deirdrie
The main two services are CARM and CISTI.
CARM is a co-operative store for Victorian academic libraries and the State Library of Victoria. It houses our low use material. Items kept there are clearly listed in the library catalogue location field. We can retrieve these items for any student or staff member of the University of Melbourne.
On the other hand, CISTI Source is a DIY interlibrary loan service from the Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information. Over 17,000 journals are available covering a variety of subjects from 1993 to present. The majority of content is in Science, Technology and Medicine. You have to register with us before you can use this service, but that is easily done online from our website. Articles will be forwarded to the University Library and then forwarded to your University email account. Turnaround time is generally 48 hours or less.
Again, where an article cannot be transmitted electronically, it will be delivered via post in hardcopy.
Andrea
That sounds really amazing Deirdrie. It’s a great resource here at the library. So thanks for teaching me about it.
Deidrie
Thank you Andy.