The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service provides eligible users with the option to request and borrow physical books and obtain digital copies that are not held by the SFU Library.
Eligibility
This service is available to full-time academic and administrative staff.
Charges
Service charges are fully paid by the Library. This arrangement, however, is subject to review.
Quota
Each eligible user can make at most 10 active requests at the same time. Any unresolved issue recorded in a user’s account may affect the service privileges.
Conditions of Use
- All requested ILL items must be used for private study or research purposes only.
- Excessive duplication of a physical item is not permitted. In general, copying more than one chapter or 10% of the item is deemed unacceptable.
- Each request for a digital copy of a book should be limited to no more than one chapter or 10% of the work.
- Only one article in each issue of a journal can be acquired once via the ILL service. Requests for other articles in the same issue are not permitted.
In connection with the copyright laws of Hong Kong, users should take note of the following rules in submitting ILL requests:
Requesting an item
Place an ILL request via the platforms Beyond SFU (Interlibrary Loan) and Union Search
| Beyond SFU (Interlibrary Loan) | Union Search | |
| Available Materials | Physical books Digital copies of book chapters Digital copies of journal articles |
Physical books |
| Lending / Supplying Libraries | Local and Overseas University Libraries |
Users may consult the Library Guides regarding how to submit a request for a physical item / digital copy via Beyond SFU (Interlibrary Loan) or submit a request for a physical item via Union Search.
Delivery time
Delivery times will vary depending on the schedules of the lending libraries and the availability of the requested items.
Delivery of digital copies
Users may refer to the Viewing and/or downloading digital copy section for details.
Borrowing and returning a physical item
- Users will receive an email notification when the requested item is available for collection.
- A Pre-overdue Reminder will be sent to a borrower via email when an item is due for return in three days or less.
- The loan period of a borrowed item, if recalled by the lending library, will be shortened. The loaned item must be returned by the new due date as stated in the recall email.
Loan periods and renewals
Loan periods and renewals of physical items are subject to the policy set by the lending libraries.
Overdue fines
An overdue fine of HK$1 (HK$3 if recalled) per day per item will be levied starting from the day following the due date (excluding the days on which the Library is closed) until the item is returned.
Lost or damaged items
Lost or damaged ILL items must be reported to the Library as soon as possible. Borrowers are responsible for any replacement or repair costs as determined by the lending library.