Using the Library: FAQs

Document Supply Service

Library and Learning Resources
Frederick Lanchester Library
CU Academic Services Limited
Coventry University Group
Gosford Street
Coventry
CV1 5DD

email: docsupply.lib@coventry.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7765 7520

How do I request an item?

Items are requested online via the ‘Document Supply Request’ tile at the bottom right of the ‘Locate’ main search page or via the 'Resource sharing request' button on the item page.. Fill out your details and the request details, click on ‘I agree’  to the Copyright Declaration and ‘Save’ and the request will be sent to docsupply.lib@coventry.ac.uk email address. 

How much does it cost?

Although each request costs the library an average of £10.00, requests are free for students and staff. If the item you require is not available from any library but is available on the web, we can order it for you. The average cost of an article is £10.00, and the cost for a book/thesis is £18.85 plus VAT. if the item you require costs more than these amounts we ask that you pay the difference. If you agree we will request the item on your behalf and add the outstanding amount to your library record.

Are Document Supply requests subject to copyright?

Yes! If you are requesting a copy you may only request one whole article, chapter or paper or 10% whichever is the greater, from a single publication. If you need more than one article from a journal part it may be possible to lend the whole part. If you require more than one chapter from a book you can ask us to borrow the whole publication. If you are requesting a copy don't forget to read and agree to the Copyright Declaration at the bottom of the request. If you are emailing a request form to us as an attachment, it has to be emailed from your Coventry University email account.

Can I request a thesis?

We are able to borrow some UK PhD Theses. It depends on the lending criteria of the library that holds it. The British Library provide a service called Ethos, which supplies some UK digital Theses for free and some that require payment to obtain. Please ask the Document Supply staff for more information.
If we are able to supply a printed thesis it will be reference only, so be prepared to spend time in the library when you use it.

How long will my request take to arrive?

You should allow 5 days, although many requests are supplied more quickly than this, for instance if it is held electronically at the British Library we can often obtain it the same day.
If the British Library are not able to supply it within 5 days we apply to other academic libraries for it. If you have not received your item within a week ask for a progress report from the Document Supply team.

Where do I collect it from?

If you have requested a copy of an article, chapter or paper, you will be sent an email to your Coventry University email address. The email will contain a link to your document. The link has an expiry date of 30 days. Books can be collected from the Welcome Desk on the Ground Floor of the Lanchester Library. We will notify you by email when a book arrives for you.

How long can I keep it?

E-Copies -varies by the institution supplying or print out and keep. 
Loans - Usually we have them for five weeks. Renewals may be possible on items that aren't in heavy demand.

May I renew my book?

Books may be renewed at the discretion of the lending library. You will be charged £6.25 for each renewal. You must apply to the Document supply Service, docsupply.lib@coventry.ac.uk preferably via email several days before it is due. Once a book is late you are charged £5.70 so please ensure you apply for a renewal with enough time to return the book if the renewal is declined.  

Can I ask the library to buy a book to add to the collection? (You Choose)

If the book is only available in electronic format or you think it would be a valuable addition to the library's collection then complete a You Choose request.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to the Document Supply Service please contact the Document Supply team on docsupply.lib@coventry.ac.uk