Temporary Changes to Interlibrary Loan Services

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.