Interlibrary Loans Service

Making a request

Clients submit requests electronically via the Document Delivery Request Form.

Before submitting requests, please check the library catalogue / eJournals carefully to ensure the required item is not already held. Include as much detail as possible on the form and, where possible, the source of reference should be indicated. Incomplete request details require further checking by library staff and may therefore result in delays in forwarding the request.

Copyright

The Copyright Act must be observed when requesting photocopies or microforms. The Act permits copying of a "reasonable portion" of a book or journal for the purposes of research or study. A "reasonable portion" is defined for books as 10% or one chapter and for journals as one article per issue. More than one article is allowable only if the articles relate to the same subject matter. Requests for photocopies must be signed by the user of the material. Electronic requests require agreement with the Copyright Declaration upon submission. See Copyright at JCU for further information.

How long?

Where possible, requests are sent electronically to assist in speeding up supply. Requests to Australian libraries are normally filled within 1-2 weeks. Delays may occur if the required item is missing or on loan. Overseas requests take a much longer period. Special services are offered for material required more urgently. These incur extra charges.

Collection and Return

Most photocopies are forwarded to the requester's JCU email account. Requesters are notified by email of the arrival of loan material which may then be collected from the Client Services desk at either the Mabo or Cairns Library. Some loans may be required to be used in the library only. The loan period varies and the due date is indicated on the blue slip inside the book. Please return loans to Client Services staff and not through the Express Lending units. Fines and penalties will apply if an item is lost, damaged or overdue.

Interlibrary Loan charges within Australia

NOTE: There are a number of changes being implemented on 1st April 2020 including an increase in prices which last occurred in 2011.  If you have any queries please direct them to doc.sup@jcu.edu.au.

*Delivery times cannot be guaranteed as they are dependent upon a number of factors outside the library's control. These include location of the supplier, availability of the material and the time spent in transit. They can also depend on the accuracy of the details provided within the request.

Library users who are not students or staff of James Cook University are required to pay an additional GST charge.

Overseas

Photocopy - as charged by supplier
Loan - as charged by supplier plus return postage
Theses purchase - as charged by supplier
Microform purchase - as charged by supplier

Payment

If requests are to be charged to a University charge code, full details of the account number should be recorded on the request.  If you are a Post Graduate student you will need to ask your supervisor to confirm your eligibility with Document Supply staff prior to submtting a request.

If you do not have a University charge code and are making a personal payment please contact Document Supply staff for instructions and supply situation status due to COVID-19 impact.  

Further information

Please contact Document Supply Service staff or Client Services for further assistance or information.