Purpose
The Inter Library Loan service document policy addresses the educational and research needs of the academic staff, students, and alumni of Qatar University by providing access to materials not available in the Qatar University Library collection.
Definitions
Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL) : ILL allows library users to borrow materials from non-QU libraries and it lends materials to non-QU libraries, organizations, research centers, etc, based on prior approved written agreements.
Documents Lending Service : A procedure followed by libraries to lend materials such as articles, book chapters, proceedings, reports, etc., needed for research or study to other libraries.
Interlibrary Loan Service and Documents Borrowing Service Policies
Requests may be submitted for books available at the Qatar University Library.
Requests submitted by users should be checked in the library’s online catalog and forwarded promptly to the requesting library. The requested item should be delivered within a maximum of one week.
Up to ten (10) books may be borrowed at a time by each library based on the agreement, for a loan period of three weeks. Renewal requests must be submitted on time and may be approved only once.
Items may be recalled by the User Services Department at any time if requested by another user.
Priority is given to users affiliated with the borrowing library.
If the information provided by the requester is insufficient, the borrowing library must make every effort to verify the details using all available tools. If verification fails, the sources used must be listed.
Request details must be clear and sufficient for identification by the User Services staff.
All requests must be submitted officially via a designated form available on the website or by email.
Each borrowing library must arrange for the collection and return of the materials using their own means.
The borrowing library must return the materials on time and respect the stated terms and conditions. Reminder notifications may be sent by email in case of overdue items.
The borrowing library is fully responsible for any loss or damage to borrowed materials from the time of receipt until they are returned. In the event of a total loss, the cost of the material will be charged in addition to a 100 QAR processing fee.
Providing Materials to Other Libraries:
User Services staff reserve and hold the requested materials, contacting the borrowing library to inform them that the item is ready for collection.
The borrowing party must send a representative (with a valid ID recognized by the User Services department).
The item is checked out under the borrowing library’s account for three weeks.
User Services staff update the request record with necessary details such as the due date and all relevant information from the request form..
Receiving, Returning, and Renewing Materials:
Borrowed materials are delivered to the borrowing library by the User Services department and registered under a special account for a three-week loan.
Upon the due date, materials must be returned to the User Services department by a designated representative of the borrowing library.
Renewal of borrowed items is possible upon request by the borrowing library, provided renewal terms align with the policy.
Overdue, Lost, or Damaged Items and Related Fines:
A reminder notification is sent to the borrowing library regarding overdue items.
The borrowing library is liable for any loss or damage to the material in accordance with policy guidelines.
The borrowing library must notify the User Services department via email or phone in case of lost or damaged items.
The borrowing library must either financially compensate for the loss or provide an identical replacement copy of the original item.