Interlibrary Loan
On Tuesday, 29th September 2026, Bayreuth University Library will be migrating to the new library system, FOLIO. Due to preparations for the upgrade, no interlibrary loan requests for monographs can be placed from 27th July 2026 until 30th September 2026. Further information about the transition to FOLIO can be found hier.
Interlibrary loan is a service that offers the possibility to borrow books which are not owned by Bayreuth University Libary. We will try to obtain the requested media for you from another library.If you are searching for journal articles, you can find useful advice on our page Alternative ways for finding and obtaining journal articles.
After lengthy negotiations and the necessary technical preparations, starting January 2024 you will, in most cases, receive PDF files instead of the former paper copies when ordering copies via interlibrary loan. You can find more information on the topic here.
What can be ordered via interlibrary loan?
Books and other media can be borrowed via interlibrary loan. Copies of scientific journal articles or individual chapters from books can be ordered as well and come as a printed copy (= document delivery service). Media which are owned by Bayreuth University Libary with no or only restricted access to them, popular literature as well as media, that are available in bookshops for less than 15 Euros, are not going to be obtained via interlibrary loan.
What are the costs for an interlibrary loan?
The costs for the procurement of media via national interlibrary loan within Germany are covered in most cases. Any costs incurred will be indicated on the order form when an order is placed.
How long does an interlibrary loan take?
Usually we are able to process your orders successfully within a few days.
Depending on distribution and general demand of the requested item it may take up to two weeks. In individual cases it may take several weeks.
Depending on distribution and general demand of the requested item it may take up to two weeks. In individual cases it may take several weeks.
How does it work?
Please see our information sheet Library Catalogue (research, account services, interlibrary loan) or contact us.
Questions specifically on interlibrary loan or on individual orders and special material (psychological tests, lose-leaf books or similar) will be answered by our interlibrary loan team. As soon as your order is ready for collection, we will inform you via email. You have twelve opening days to pick up your orders. It is essential therefore, that you make sure that your email-adress is registered in the “My details”-section in our catalogue because we will also contact you via email if there are any issues with your interlibrary loan order.
If we do not have your email-address, messages concerning your interlibrary loan will be available for you at the selected collection point.
Questions specifically on interlibrary loan or on individual orders and special material (psychological tests, lose-leaf books or similar) will be answered by our interlibrary loan team. As soon as your order is ready for collection, we will inform you via email. You have twelve opening days to pick up your orders. It is essential therefore, that you make sure that your email-adress is registered in the “My details”-section in our catalogue because we will also contact you via email if there are any issues with your interlibrary loan order.
If we do not have your email-address, messages concerning your interlibrary loan will be available for you at the selected collection point.
Which restrictions apply for interlibrary loan media?
Occassionally the lending library may impose some restrictions such as reading room use only. These regulations can not be changed.
How long may I keep an interlibrary loan?
Usually you can keep an item ordered via interlibrary loan for a period of four weeks and extend the loaning period once. However, a shorter loan period may be set by the lending library. Special loan periods are noted on your order slip and in your account. You may keep paper copies from Document Delivery.