Document supply

Requesting material from other libraries

When should I use the Document Supply Service?

The Document Supply Service provides essential materials for research or study that the library does not possess or subscribe to.

Search Locate, the library catalogue for your required item. If it is not available submit an online request to us via the Document Supply Request ‘tab’ on the Locate catalogue search page and we will obtain it from another UK library. 

How do I request an item?

Request forms are available online via the ‘Document Supply Request’ tab on the Locate main search page. Fill out your details and the request details, click on ‘I agree’ and ‘Save’ and the request will be sent to our docsupply.lib email address.

How much does it cost?

The Document Supply service is free to all staff and students. Each request costs the library an average of £10. If the item you require is not available from any library but is available on the web, we can order it for you. The average cost of an article is £10 and the cost for a book/thesis is £18.70. If the item you require costs more than the stated amounts we ask that you pay the difference. If you agree to pay the difference we will request the item on your behalf, email the document to you and add the outstanding amount to your library record.

Are Document Supply requests subject to copyright?

Yes! If you are requesting a copy you may only request one whole article, chapter or paper or 10% whichever is the greater, from a single publication. If you need more than one article from a journal part it may be possible to lend the whole part.

Can I request a thesis?

Sometimes! We are able to borrow some UK PhD Theses. It depends on the lending criteria of the library that holds it. The British Library provide a service called Ethos, which supplies some UK digital Theses for free and some that require payment to obtain. Please ask the Document Supply staff for more information.

If we are able to supply a printed thesis it will be reference only, so be prepared to spend time in the library when you use it. 

How long will my request take to arrive?

You should allow 5 days, although many requests are supplied more quickly than this, (depending on what format the item is in at the British Library). If the British Library are not able to supply it within 5 days, it may take another week or more, as we have to search and apply to other academic libraries for it. If you have not received your request within 5 days you can ask for a progress report from the Document Supply team. 

Where do I collect it?

If you have requested a copy of an article, chapter or paper, you will be sent an email with a link in it to your Coventry University email address.

Items borrowed from other libraries should be collected from the Welcome Desk on the Ground Floor of the Lanchester Library. We will notify you by email when an item arrives. 

How long can I keep it?

E-Copies – Once downloaded, you can store and access them for three years, you can print them out once and keep.

Loans - Usually we have them for five weeks. Renewals may be possible on items that aren't in heavy demand. Renewals cost £5.70.