Inter-library loans
Birmingham Libraries is not part of the OCLC (formerly WorldCat) system for ILL (inter-library loan) requests for book loans.
We will try to source books that Birmingham residents need but are not held by Birmingham libraries. We will charge the appropriate fee when we supply them.
You can submit requests for photocopies of articles from journals, magazines and other periodicals, with the appropriate fee being charged on request.
To request an inter-library loan you must be:
- a registered member of Birmingham libraries, and
- a Birmingham resident, or have an enduring connection with the city such as it being your permanent place of work
If you are a higher education student, you should first contact the library and information services at your higher education institution for material relating to your course work.
Charges by item
Item Unit 2025/2026 Book/periodical article/music score sourced outside of the council Per item £13 Renewal of externally sourced item Per item £6 Loss of British Library book Per item £147
Page last updated: 28 August 2025