Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary Loan physical loan requests are currently paused. Copy requests remain available until 15 June 2026. For more information and key dates, visit our transition information page.

About the Interlibrary Loan Service

The Interlibrary Loan service helps you access books, articles and other research materials that are not held in the University of Melbourne Library collection. We source items from other libraries in Australia and overseas on your behalf.

This service is available to all current University of Melbourne staff and students. Members of the public, including those with a library membership, are not eligible to use this service.

How to request an interlibrary loan

1. Search the library

Start by searching our collections. If the University of Melbourne Library does not hold the item, you can submit an interlibrary loan request.

2. Check for online access

A large amount of academic material is available online, either freely or through the University of Melbourne’s subscriptions. Before submitting a request, it’s worth checking whether the item is already available online.

As a tip, the Lean Library browser extension can help when you are searching or browsing online. It will tell you when you have University of Melbourne access. If you don’t, it can link you to the interlibrary loan request form.

3. Submit your request

Requests are submitted via our online interlibrary loan forms.

You can access the forms:

  • via our Interlibrary Loan webpage
  • through Find it @ UniMelb when viewing online search results
  • from links in the library catalogue
  • directly through the Lean Library browser extension

All of these options take you to the same request forms.

4. Receive your materials

You’ll be notified when your request is ready. Copies are delivered electronically, and physical items can be collected from your nominated pickup location.

Interlibrary Loan physical loan requests are currently paused. Copy requests remain available until 15 June 2026. For more information and key dates, visit our transition information page.

  • First, check whether the item is already available in the University of Melbourne Library collections.

    If you’re unsure, staff at the Library Service Desk can help, or you can use the Ask a Librarian chat service for assistance.

    If the item is not available, there are several ways to submit a request:

    All of these options connect to the same service, so you can use whichever is most convenient.

  • You can view the status of your requests via your Borrowing Record in the Library system. From here you can:

    • View your current and completed requests
    • Submit a new request if needed

    For each request, you will be able to see basic details, including:

    • Request ID
    • Title and author
    • Date submitted
    • Need-by date (if provided)
    • A link to the document (if a copy has been supplied)

    To check the status, refer to the last two columns, which show the current status of your request and the date that status was applied.

    Please note that the Borrowing Record does not display detailed progress updates. If you would like more information about your request, contact the team via email, and we will be happy to assist.

  • Yes. Australian copyright law applies to all interlibrary loan requests.

    This means there are limits on how much of a work can be supplied and how the material can be used. For example, requests for articles, chapters, and extracts must comply with copyright provisions, and copies are provided for research or study purposes only.

    The Library manages copyright compliance on your behalf, so you don’t need to navigate the rules yourself. If a request cannot be supplied due to copyright restrictions, we will let you know and, where possible, suggest alternative options.

    For more information, see our Copyright information page.

  • Most interlibrary loan requests are supplied at no cost to you.

    In some cases, a supplying library may charge a fee. If the cost exceeds our preset limit, we will contact you to confirm whether you are willing to proceed before any charges are incurred.

    There is no obligation to continue with the request if you do not wish to pay.

  • If you need an item urgently, submit your request as usual and then email us as soon as possible to let us know.

    While we can’t guarantee faster supply, letting us know your timeframe allows us to prioritise your request where possible and explore the quickest available options.

  • Copies (articles, chapters, extracts)

    We supply copies electronically. You will receive an email with either:

    • an attached file, or
    • a link to download the document.

    Some documents are supplied with Digital Rights Management (DRM). This may limit how many times you can open the file or how long it remains accessible. If DRM applies, the restrictions and access instructions will be clearly explained in the email.

    Loans (physical items)

    When your item is ready, we will notify you and you can collect it from your nominated branch library. Items are held for 10 working days.

    Some items are for library use only. If this applies to your request, we will let you know when the item arrives.

  • If you need to renew your interlibrary loan, please email the team a few days before the due date to request a renewal.

    Renewals are subject to approval by the supplying library, so we cannot guarantee that all requests can be extended. We will let you know the outcome as soon as we receive a response.

  • If you no longer need an item, please email us as soon as possible, and we will cancel your request where we can.

    If the item has already been supplied or shipped, it may not be possible to cancel, but we will always let you know.

  • The interlibrary loan service is available to all current University of Melbourne staff and students.

    Members of the public, including those with a University of Melbourne Library membership, are not eligible to use this service.

  • The Library obtains interlibrary loans through a mix of reciprocal (no-cost) arrangements and paid supplier services.

    Reciprocal requests

    These are supplied through partner libraries that participate in resource-sharing agreements. There is no charge to the University for these requests, and they are always used first where possible.

    Paid requests

    If an item is not available through reciprocal partners, we may source it from a commercial supplier or a library that charges a fee. These requests are paid for by the Library and are used when no free option is available.

    We automatically choose the most appropriate and cost-effective option for each request. You don’t need to specify which type to use.

  • If you are having trouble logging in:

    • Check your Borrowing Record. If there is a suspension on your library account, you will not be able to access the inter-library loan portal until it is cleared.
    • Check your barcode number. Make sure you are entering the full 14-digit barcode correctly.

    If you still can’t log in or need help accessing a document in the portal, please email us, and we’ll assist.

  • The time to fill your request can vary. It depends on factors such as:

    • staffing availability in the Resource Sharing team and at supplying libraries
    • how readily available the item is
    • whether the item is held locally, interstate, or overseas

    Providing as much detail as possible in your request—especially an ISBN or ISSN—can help expedite processing.

    Copies (articles, chapters, extracts)

    Many copies are supplied quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. Others may take longer depending on availability and any access or copyright conditions.

    Loans (physical items)

    Loans take longer as items must be processed and shipped. Requests from overseas libraries will take significantly longer.

Interlibrary Loan physical loan requests are currently paused. Copy requests remain available until 15 June 2026. For more information and key dates, visit our transition information page.

Please submit your interlibrary loan request using the online forms below. To ensure we can process your request as quickly as possible, include as many details as possible (including an ISBN or ISSN).

Interlibrary Loan physical loan requests are currently paused. Copy requests remain available until 15 June 2026. For more information and key dates, visit our transition information page.

In addition to Interlibrary Loans, there are other ways to access material, including borrowing in person from partner libraries through reciprocal borrowing schemes or registering with public access libraries that offer free online resources.

Depending on your needs, the options below may be helpful.

CAVAL Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme

Borrow in person from participating Victorian libraries. This is useful if you need an item urgently or if it cannot be supplied through Interlibrary Loans but is available at another library.

Find out more about the CAVAL Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme.

University of Divinity Library Network

We have a reciprocal arrangement with the University of Divinity Library Network, which specialises in theology and religious studies. Its collections have strong coverage of biblical studies, church history, doctrine, ethics and spirituality, as well as distinctive denominational and special collections.

Find out more about borrowing from the University of Divinity Library Network.

ULANZ Borrowing Scheme

Borrow in person from participating university libraries across Australia and New Zealand. This is particularly useful if you live near another university or are travelling.

Find out more about the ULANZ Borrowing Scheme.

International universities

If you are studying or working overseas, we can request borrowing privileges for you at international universities. This can be helpful if you need access to local collections while away.

Find out more about borrowing at international universities.

State, national and public libraries

You can also register directly with the State Library of Victoria, the National Library of Australia, and public libraries. These libraries offer extensive print and electronic collections, and can be a good option for accessing material quickly or finding resources not available through the University Library.

Find out more about registering with the State Library of Victoria, the National Library of Australia, and public libraries.

Interlibrary Loan physical loan requests are currently paused. Copy requests remain available until 15 June 2026. For more information and key dates, visit our transition information page.

Email address

ill-library@unimelb.edu.au

Feedback

Complete our customer satisfaction survey

Postal address

Resource Sharing Office
Baillieu Library
University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010, Australia

Campus entry: Gate 11, Royal Parade

Temporary pause to Interlibrary Loan supply

The University of Melbourne Library will temporarily pause supplying items from our collections via Interlibrary Loan while we transition to a new library system.

Pause period: 6 May to 13 July

During this time, we will not be able to supply loans or copies from our collections to other libraries. Interlibrary Loan registration will also be temporarily unavailable.

We expect to resume Interlibrary Loan supply from 14 July.

We appreciate your understanding during this transition.

  • Who can request

    We accept requests from libraries, government, and commercial organisations in Australia and overseas.

    Most items from the University of Melbourne Library can be borrowed. If an item is marked “not for loan,” we can often provide a copy instead.

    How to request

    You can send requests through:

    1. TPRS ReShare
    2. OCLC WorldShare Interlibrary Loan
    3. University of Melbourne direct request form (for registered libraries not using ReShare or OCLC WorldShare).

    First-time user of our direct request form

    Register here

    Copyright

    All requests must follow the Australian Copyright Act 1968.

  • Accessing Theses

    We do not supply theses through inter-library loan. But you can often access them in other ways.

    • Open-access theses are available online.
    • Hard copy theses can be digitised on request.

    How to find a thesis

    Search our online catalogue. When you find a title, click the ‘Access via University of Melbourne Minerva Access’ link in the record.

    Access levels

    Each thesis has an Access Status set by the author:

    • Open access – the full text is available online.
    • Only available to University of Melbourne staff and students – full text is limited to University users.
    • No attached file available – the thesis can only be viewed in the Baillieu Reading Room on a supervised device.

    If you wish to view a thesis in the Baillieu Reading Room, click the yellow icon on the right-hand side of the catalogue record to submit a request.

    Requesting a copy

    If no public version is available, you can ask for a free digitised copy.

  •    Core 
    (processed within 4 days)    		 Rush 
    (processed within 24 hours)    		 Express 
    (processed within 2 hours)
    Copy Up to 25 pages  $22.50 $44.50 $67.00
    An additional 25 pages or part thereof  $5.20  $5.20 $5.20
    Loan Book or microform $34.40 $62.80 $85.00

    Supply of Items

    We supply items in accordance with the Australian Inter-Library Resource Sharing (ILRS) Code.

    • Express service – available only for items from the Baillieu and Biomedical libraries. You must arrange and pay for a courier to collect the item.
    • Rush service – available from the Dookie Library, but please note this library is not open every day.

  • OCLC WS ILL prices (USD)

       Core 
    (processed within 4 days)    		 Rush 
    (processed within 24 hours)    		 Express 
    (processed within 2 hours)
    Copy Up to 50 pages  USD 18.00USD 35.00 USD 49.00
    Additional 50 pages or part thereof  USD 4.00         USD 4.00  USD 4.00
    Loan Book or microform USD 35.00 USD 52.00 USD 66.00

    Direct registration  prices  (AUD)

    Core 
    (processed within 4 days)    		 Rush 
    (processed within 24 hours)    		 Express 
    (processed within 2 hours)
    Copy Up to 50 pages  $26.60

    $51.70

    		$72.40
    Additional 50 pages or part thereof  $5.90    $5.90 $5.90
    Loan Book or microform $51.70$76.80 $97.50

    Supply of Items

    We supply items to overseas libraries in accordance with IFLA’s guidelines for resource sharing and document delivery.

    Please allow 2–4 weeks for delivery of your book.

Interlibrary Loan requests will be paused during the system transition

The University of Melbourne Library is transitioning to a new library management and Readings Online platform. This will include new resource sharing software for Interlibrary Loans.

As part of this transition, there will be a temporary pause to requests for the University Community. For urgent requests, the Library may consider time-critical cases that cannot be deferred. These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To avoid disruption, we recommend submitting your requests before the cutoff dates below.

Key dates

  • 22 May 2026
    Interlibrary Loan requests for physical loans (books and other returnable items) cease
  • 14 June 2026
    Last day to submit new Interlibrary Loan requests for digital copies (articles, chapters, etc.)
  • 15–23 June 2026
    Only urgent Interlibrary Loan requests can be submitted via email for consideration
  • From 23 June 2026
    Full-service Interlibrary Loan requesting resumes

What you need to do

  • Please note the key dates for Interlibrary Loan requests and plan ahead for the transition period.
  • Submit any physical item Interlibrary Loan requests before 22 May
  • Submit any digital copy  Interlibrary Loan requests before 15 June
  • Contact the Library’s Resource Sharing team (ill-library@unimelb.edu.au) about any urgent requests for Interlibrary Loans between 15 and 23 June.

Existing requests

  • Interlibrary Loan requests you have already submitted will continue to be processed and supplied
  • You can still view your Interlibrary Loan requests in the current system during the transition period
  • There is no need to resubmit your existing Interlibrary Loan requests

Frequently asked questions

  • The University of Melbourne Library is transitioning to a new library management and Readings Online platform. This will include new resource sharing software for Interlibrary Loans. The pause on Interlibrary Loan requests during the system transition ensures all submitted requests can be processed and avoids delays as we move towards using the new system.

  • Yes. Any Interlibrary Loan requests submitted before the cutoff dates will continue to be processed and supplied to the University community.

  • Only urgent Interlibrary Loan requests will be considered between 15 and 23 June.  If you need to submit an urgent request during this 7-day period, please email the Library’s Resource Sharing team: ill-library@unimelb.edu.au

  • In limited circumstances, the library may consider urgent Interlibrary Loan requests that cannot be deferred. These requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    If you need to submit an urgent request, please email: ill-library@unimelb.edu.au

  • Interlibrary Loans requesting will move to a new system which aims to improve user experience for the University community. Updated guidance will be available on the Interlibrary Loans webpage before requesting resumes.

  • If you need assistance with Interlibrary Loans, please contact the Library’s Resource Sharing team: ill-library@unimelb.edu.au

  • While physical interlibrary loan requests are temporarily paused, you may still be able to:

    • Request a chapter from the book via the Book Chapter Request form
    • Access alternative borrowing and access options listed on our Other ways to access items page

  • No, interlibrary loan renewals are temporarily unavailable during the transition to the Library’s new systems.

    During this period, the Resource Sharing Team is focusing on completing and closing existing loans in the current system before access ends. As a result, renewal requests cannot be processed.

  • During the transition to our new library system, Interlibrary Loans will temporarily appear as “ILL/” instead of showing the title of the item you borrowed.

    If you have more than one Interlibrary Loan, they may therefore look the same in your account. Although this may look unusual, your loans are still working correctly and can be identified by using the barcode and request number attached to the item.

    This is a temporary issue during the transition to our new library system.