Interlibrary Loan

Please note that interlibrary loan requests are no longer made in ILLiad and HKALL is now integrated into the interlibrary loan service. You can make a request by filling in this form.

Scope

The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service allows you to request materials not available in the Library:

• Physical books
• Digital copies of journal articles and book chapters

You can make all requests through a single interface using PowerSearch.

User Type and Quota

User Type	Active Request Quota
Faculty & Research / Academic equivalent staff	30
Postgraduates	30
Undergraduates & Staff	15

 

Active request quota includes pending requests and currently borrowed items.

For physical books, the quota will be released after the book is returned and checked in by the lending library.

For digital copies, the quota will be released once the item is delivered to My Account.

For details, check your privileges through Borrowing Policy.

Request

Place Requests

• Sign in to My Account to start searching at PowerSearch.
• Select “HKUST & Beyond” search scope from the drop down menu.
• If the item is available, input the required information and click “Request” to make a request for a physical or digital copy from other libraries.
• If the item is not available, fill in a request form.  Provide complete citation information.

Cancel Requests

You cannot cancel your ILL request.  Notify the Library by sending an email to lbill@ust.hk if you no longer need the item.

Estimated Delivery Time and Pickup

Material Type	Estimated Delivery	Pickup
Digital articles or book chapters (local)	1 working day	Via My Account Max. 30 downloads within 30 days
Digital articles or book chapters (overseas)	1-2 weeks
Local books	5 working days	Pick up at the Service Counter (G/F)
Overseas books	1-2 months

 

Book Return, Recall and Renewal

Return

• There will be overdue fines for books returned after the due date.
• ILL books should be returned to the HKUST Library.

Recall

• ILL books are subject to recall by the lending library.
• When a book is recalled, the loan period may then be shortened.

Renewal

• You can renew ILL books via My Account.
• Books from UGC-funded libraries may be renewed until the maximum renewal period is reached. Renewal of books from other libraries is subject to the approval of the lending library.

Charges

Fees and Payment Methods

The majority of books and articles supplied are without a user fee.  Flat fees apply for materials obtained from overseas or purchased from publishers:

• Overseas article / digital copy – HK$30
• Overseas physical book (per volume) – HK$120

Students and staff must pay by cash or check. Faculty members can charge to their department’s account or a grant.

Loss and Damage

The borrower is responsible for book replacement costs and processing fees as set by the lending library, as well as for adhering to the library’s penalty policies in case of loss or damage.

Copyright

The interlibrary loan service is provided in accordance with the Hong Kong Copyright Ordinance Cap.528. Requesters should acknowledge the followings:

• All requested items must be used for the purpose of research or private study.
• Not more than one copy of the same journal article or copies of more than one article contained in the same issue can be requested.
• Not more than one chapter of the same book or a copy of more than a reasonable proportion can be requested.

Lending to Other Libraries

For libraries interested in borrowing our materials, please visit the Interlibrary Lending page.

Contact Us

Office:	G/F User Services Office, Library [map]
Phone / email:	2358-6766 | lbill@ust.hk
Service hours:	9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (except holidays)

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