The Health Sciences Library provides Interlibrary Loan service for Health Affairs faculty, students and staff and UNC Hospitals staff who wish to borrow materials or obtain photocopies from off-campus libraries.

We are asking for your help in making budget officers and users of this service aware of changes we are implementing this year.

Faster Electronic Service

Beginning in early October, new software will require use of Interlibrary Loan forms we provide on the web (hftp:Hwww.hsl.unc.edu/ and Select Request Forms). Paper forms will no longer be accepted. Use of the electronic forms will result in quicker turnaround and allow electronic mail notification and delivery. Users will also be able to check on the status of their request at their own convenience on the web.

Cost Sharing

Studies of interlibrary loan services show that the average cost to the library for filling these requests is $27.00. We will continue to subsidize over two-thirds of the cost of interlibrary loans but will implement an $8.00 fee, per item borrowed, beginning in early October. Those involved in grant budget preparation may wish to reflect funds for this service, as appropriate. This will also be a new expense in departmental budget preparation.

We regret the need to institute a charge for this service and are looking for alternative sources of funding for the future. Library staff will be assisting patrons in locating alternative sources for needed information, should the fee be an obstacle.

If you have comments or suggestions related to this or other Health Sciences Library services, please contact me at 966-2111 or carol_jenkins(@unc.edu.