We have good news for all interlibrary loan users and those who would like to become one, as the delivery of interlibrary loan copies (articles and partial copies from books) is going electronic. With this in mind, we would also like to briefly introduce interlibrary loan to all interested parties.
What has changed?
Since March 1, we have been participating in the “electronic direct delivery of copies”. This means that you will receive the articles or partial copies of books you order via interlibrary loan directly as a PDF via e-mail and no longer in paper form. The ordering procedure will not change for you. However, please note that a current and valid e-mail address must be saved in your GBV account.
What is interlibrary loan and how to use it?
In short, interlibrary loan allows you to borrow media that are not available at the TUB from other libraries in Germany.
For this you need a library account at TUB and additionally a free account at GBV (Common Library Network). We will create a GBV account for you as soon as you need it or right when you pick up your library card.
How to initiate an interlibrary loan?
You have two options for borrowing a book (or copie) via interlibrary loan.
- via the TUB library catalog: If you are looking for literature that we do not have in stock, you will see the “Interlibrary Loan” button. This will take you to the GVK (GBV Union Catalogue) where you can place your order.
- via the GVK: Search for the literature in the catalogue and, depending on whether you want to borrow a book or only need certain pages of a book or an essay, click on “Loan request” or “Copy request” at the top right.
How to obtain the order?
Articles and copies of books will be sent to you via e-mail.
If you order books, you will receive an e-mail from us as soon as the book is waiting for you on the collection shelf in the library. Usually it is not possible to extend the loan period.
Does it cost anything?
To place an interlibrary loan order, you need a so-called interlibrary loan unit. An interlibrary loan unit costs €1.50 – unless you are a TU employee. You can purchase these yourself via your TUB library account or request them from us via e-mail or in person.
How to book interlibrary loan units?
Go to your library account. In the right-hand menu bar you will find the item “GBV: Balance/Access”. There you will find a form with which you can conveniently book units.
In addition to the interlibrary loan units, you can also apply for a GBV account here if you do not already have one.
TU employee
Interlibrary loan is free of charge for TU employees. You will therefore receive 50 units to start with. If necessary, you can fill it up again using the form.
Non TU employee
If you are not a TU employee, enter the number of interlibrary loan units you would like to purchase on the form. You can pay for these at the pay machine in the library.
Please note that your library account will be locked if there are €10 or more outstanding fees. Your account will be reactivated once the fees have been paid.
Questions?
If you still have questions, you can reach us by phone: +49 40 42878-3289 or e-mail: fernleihe@tuhh.de