Requests for purchase and inter-library loans
If you have searched the catalogue and cannot find what you want, you can make a request for books and journal articles not in stock in Cambridgeshire through the inter-library loan system.
The charge for this service is £5 per book - unless we decide to purchase the book for our own stock. Customers can also suggest stock for purchase.
You can choose to collect your interlibrary loan from any library except mobile libraries and Library Access Points.
Suggesting stock for purchase
We will buy books and other items not in Cambridgeshire stock that are available for purchase and are suitable for adding to permanent stock. To suggest new titles, please use the new stock suggestion form on our catalogue or speak to library staff.
Borrowing books using inter-library loan
For books not available or unsuitable for purchase, we will try and get a copy from another UK library through the inter-library loan system. This can sometimes be a lengthy process. Please check with a member of staff if you have not received your book within six weeks.
Books can be ordered either by using the online request for book not in stock form or by asking staff at your local library.
Obtaining journal articles using inter-library loan
Journal articles or chapters from books obtained on inter-library loan are for private study use only. To place a request, speak to library staff or complete our online journal article request form. Important: all requests must be accompanied by a signed photocopy request form, available via the online request form or from the Publications link below. The completed form should be handed in at your library or posted to:
Interloans Service
Roger Ascham Library Site
Ascham Road
Cambridge
CB4 2BD
We cannot place a request for your article until we receive this form.
Photocopied articles are usually obtained promptly within ten days of request and are yours to keep.
How will you let me know when my inter-library loan is ready to collect?
We will email you when your request is available. If you do not have email we will send a letter to your registered address.
Requests are held for ten days at your chosen library. Uncollected requests are returned to the owning library and will still be charged.