Inter-library loan service

Our inter-library loan service can supply you with copies of articles and loaned books which are not held in our own stock.

National

ZB MED users can make an inter-library loan request if they wish to order an item from a different library. Please submit your request to the reference desk at our Cologne site. 

• This service is subject to a handling fee of 1.50 euros per order.
• Time required for delivery: 2 – 6 weeks.
•  When your item arrives, we will notify you by e-mail at no charge (or by post at a charge of 0.55 euros for postage).
• You can collect your items from the lending desk at ZB MED's Cologne site.

International

If your inter-library loan request cannot be filled in Germany, we can also request items through the international inter-library loan system. The exact fee will be set by the library that supplies the item, though the minimum is 9 euros plus a 1.50 euro handling fee. The cost may be higher depending on the type of service and the library involved. Books ordered through the inter-library loan system can only be browsed in the reading room.

Inter-library lending by the ZB MED

The ZB MED supplies copies and books from its collections within the framework of the national and international inter-library loan systems. If you require an item from our stock, please submit your request to the reference desk/inter-library loans desk of your local library.

We generally charge a fee of one IFLA voucher (the equivalent of 8 euros) for orders submitted through the international inter-library loan system. We also offer the option of payment on receipt of invoice. Our accounting department sends out invoices every six months. We do not accept international postal coupons.