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Inter-Library Loans Secure Electronic Delivery (SED)

This FAQ contains information about the Inter-Library Loans Secure Electronic Delivery (SED) service.


What is Secure Electronic Delivery (SED)?

SED is a service from the British Library which supplies most of our Inter-Library Loans photocopies.

 

How does it work?

Instead of the British Library printing a copy of an article and posting it, they put a copy on their web server for you to read or print out.  You will get an email - to your University email address - to tell you when it is ready.

This will cut out postal delays and should give a faster service.

 

How do I make a request?

Just fill in the online request form - most non-book requests are delivered by SED by default. Make sure you have tested the software first (see below).
 

What software do I need?

From summer 2009, SED customers will need Adobe Reader and a new plugin application - FileOpen.

How much will it cost?

The British Library does not charge any more for this than for its standard delivery of paper copies.  This makes the service a lot cheaper than commercial electronic document delivery services.  For more information on ILL prices, go to our main ILL page.
 

Can I download and store the electronic copy?

Once you have opened the document you should read it on screen or print it out.  It may be possible to save it for a few days, but after that it will be locked and you will not be able to print it again.
 

Can I forward the electronic copy?

You can forward the email to another of your email accounts if you want.  You can only open the actual document on one computer and only for a limited period.
 

Anything else?

  1. The British Library will keep the article on their server for 14 days only .  You should only use SED if you expect to be around to read the article.
     
  2. SED is for single article requests only .  If you want the whole of a journal issue, you should request a loan copy.