Inter-Library Loans

An inter-library loan (ILL) is a service that allows you to borrow books, journal articles, or theses that are not available in the Courtauld collections or other London libraries.

If the item is available in London, you’ll need to visit the library directly to access it.

If a book isn’t available on LibrarySearch, click Expand My Results to search for the item beyond the Courtauld collections and subscriptions. Once you locate the item, click Resource Sharing under How to Get It, and complete the request form.

If the book still cannot be found after expanding your search, use this form to submit an inter-library loan request.

Please do not use this form for books currently on loan to another user. For more information about requesting items on loan, see Finding and borrowing books in the Library – The Courtauld.

The most common format you can request is a physical copy, which will be available for onsite viewing only (not for borrowing). In some cases, an electronic version may also be available.

Library staff will process inter-library loan requests on weekdays, except those when the Courtauld is closed. The location and availability of the item you have requested will determine how long the process takes. For example, other libraries are usually able to provide digital copies of book chapters and journal articles within 5 working days while loans of physical items from abroad may take over one month. If you need access quickly, you may find it quicker to visit another library to use the item. Please see our other libraries web page for more information. 

Library staff will email digital copies of book chapters and journal articles to your Courtauld email address. We will contact you at your Courtauld email address when physical items arrive. Please note that physical copies will be available for onsite viewing only (not for borrowing) at Vernon Square Library.

No, the inter-library loans the Library provides through the service (including digital copies) are for your use only. You should not share them with anyone else. 

Information about all of the Library’s services is available on our web pages. If you cannot find what you are looking for or need assistance, please contact us.