British Library and back-up libraries

British Library and back-up libraries

The British Library, in consultation with the back-up libraries, has taken the decision to change the status of its 18 back-up libraries to standard locations. The back-up service was initially introduced as these libraries did not participate in the ILL system and could only be approached through the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC). However, many of these back-up libraries have now opened themselves up to general access.

The changes took place from 1 October 2001 and any extended search requests received after that date will be treated as standard location searches and receive location information. Supply charges will be set by the individual locations libraries, as is the current policy for traditional non back-up libraries. From this date any UK or Republic of Ireland request requiring copyright fee paid will not be eligible for an extended search as no locations libraries are able to supply requests as copyright fee paid.

Source: BLDSC Customer Services