Requesting items from External Libraries

You can request items from external libraries (non-Staffordshire University Libraries) if we don't stock the item you need. To do this, you will need to make your request through our Document Delivery Service.

This service is available to all members of Staffordshire University's Library.

You can request:

• Books
• Reports
• Journals 
  (PLEASE NOTE: We can only obtain Journals which haven't been published in the past 6 months.)
• Articles from Journals
• Conference Proceedings
• Theses
  (PLEASE NOTE: If you require a thesis, the University library is a member of British Library EThOS. Visit the EThOS web site to search for titles or subjects you are interested in. This is a self-service provision and payment may be required)
• Make an online request

Other University Libraries

All staff and students (apart from full-time undergraduates) can have borrowing entitlements at most University Libraries in UK and Ireland by  joining SCONUL Access.

Charges for items requested from an external Library

Vouchers may be obtained from your Faculty. Please ask your tutor for guidance. 

Off campus members can be billed quarterly.

How long will it take to get my request?

Most requests arrive in 5 days or sooner, however some items may be in heavy demand and your request could be added to a waiting list.

If there are any problems or delays with your request, we will contact you, with an explanation, as soon as possible.

Loan periods for items borrowed from another Library through Document Delivery

*Items can be recalled after 3 weeks if they are requested by someone else.

Renewing items obtained through Document Delivery

These items can usually be renewed for a charge of £5.00 (£10.00 for external members), providing no one has requested them.

To renew an item, contact the Document Delivery Office before the return date.

Returning items obtained through Document Delivery

Photocopies do not need to be returned – they are yours to keep. 

All other items need to be returned to the Library where you collected them from, and by the given return date.

You can return items to the Library by post, but you must pay for any postal charges and ensure their safe return before the due back date. If you choose to return items by post, we recommend that you use recorded delivery in case they get lost or damaged.

Charges for late returns of Document Delivery items

Items which have been borrowed from another library through our Document Delivery Service are subject to a £5.00 fine for each item returned late. (This excludes photocopies or items delivered by Secure Electronic Delivery.)

More information

Your  Subject Librarian can provide assistance accessing resources and more information about Document Delivery, Secure Electronic Delivery and using other libraries.

Alternatively, please contact: