Feb 4, 2025 | Events & Conferences, Latest News & Updates, Past Events & Conferences
This is a free workshop event hosted by Forum for Interlending
Attendees will be asked to complete a pre-event survey
When: 9th April
PROGRAMME

Library Workshop
Northumbria University, City Campus Library, Skills Centre 1
ARRIVE 10:00AM
10:00- 10:10 Welcome- 10 min
10:10-10:40 Tour Northumbria library- 40 min
10:50-11:00 Break – 10 min
11:00- 12:20 Workshop 1- Reviewing an ILL Service- 80 min
12:20- 13:00 LUNCH 40 min (a light lunch will be provided)
Walk to Newcastle University Library
Newcastle University, Marjorie Robinson Reading Rooms Library, Academic Skills room
13:15 – 14:35 Workshop 2- Request forms- 80 min (Collaborative learning space (PRL) – capacity 24 / Academic Skills room (MRLR) capacity 40)
14:35-14:45 Break – 10 min
15:45- 15:25 Tour Newcastle library- 40 min
DEPART 15:30pm
Workshop 1: Reviewing your Service
Aim- attendees take away tools to help them plan and undertake a review of their own ILL service. Sharing tips on how to do more on a limited budget
2 case studies- what is happening at Northumbria/ Newcastle – how did we do it?
Notes prepared about own service – discuss what key issue/ issues are worthy of review?
Why would you review?
What & how?
What would you do with the information you learn from your review?
Round up of free resources
Workshop 2: How your requests are received
Aim- attendees can describe how their borrowing requests are received and discuss pros and cons of different approaches
Facilitated as global cafe
Local picture from Northumbria & Newcastle
- Newcastle – 1 request form for staff – separate form for students. ILL within CS, Acquisitions with C&D. Students go via recommend a book first – journal articles/ book chapters can be requested as ILL. Staff have choice over buy or loan
- Digital requests can also be made directly via library search
- All requests feed into Alma borrowing requests
What doesn’t work:
- staff time required to tidy requests before they can be sent (missing ISBN/ title information)
- No option to request physical items direct from library search
- Recommend a book to ILL is a bit clunky and can slow things down for the customer
What does work:
- Online forms can be accessed from anywhere
- Staff have ability to check and tidy requests before being sent to partners
- All requests accepted – less work for the customer
Feb 4, 2025 | Events & Conferences, Latest News & Updates, Upcoming Events & Conferences

FIL Calander
We wanted to update you on FIL events planned for this year. The FIL Committee have taken the decision to postpone the February event to November, returning to the original schedule of June and November. The planned summer FIL event will take place online on 25th June and the Call for Speakers is now open. Please get in touch if you would like to deliver a session or lightening talk.
We are pleased to announce that we will be holding an in person event in Newcastle on 9th April.
The event will take place between Newcastle University and Northumbria University and will provide an opportunity for networking and sharing experiences of current ILL practices, there will also be optional tours of both Libraries.
We look forward to seeing you in Newcastle and please do get in touch should you have any questions about any of the events
Dec 18, 2024 | Latest News & Updates

As the year wraps up, we’d like to thank everyone in the FIL community for making 2024 such a great year. Whether you joined an event, shared your thoughts, or just followed along, your support is what keeps us going.
Looking ahead, our next event will be held online on Wednesday 12th February 2025. More details about booking will follow soon, so save the date.
We’re always keen to hear from you, so if you’d like to present at the event, why not share your insights? Whether it’s a quick lightning talk or a full presentation, we’d love to hear about your experiences. If you’re interested, send your idea to Amanda Foster.
Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday season – we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.
Dec 11, 2024 | Latest News & Updates
We’re excited to announce that the Forum for Interlending is now on Bluesky. You can find us at @filill.bsky.social, joining a growing community of library professionals who are using the platform to connect, exchange ideas, and support one another.
Our move to Bluesky reflects our commitment to creating a positive, innovative space for all FIL members. With its welcoming atmosphere, Bluesky is the perfect platform for fostering meaningful connections and engaging discussions. Let’s continue to build a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking community where we can learn, share, and grow. See you on Bluesky!
Dec 6, 2024 | Events & Conferences, Latest News & Updates
The next FIL event will be held online on Wednesday 12th February 2025. Details of how to book will be sent out nearer the time.
In order to make the program relevant we would like to give you the opportunity to present on topics that matter to you. Topics you might like to consider are:
- Obtaining Copyright cleared requests- how are you meeting this challenge?.
- Trends in ILL Demand: How has ILL changed in your library?
- Different Perspectives on an ILL service: We are really interested in hearing from different library services and how ILL works in different sectors. Whether you work in a public, NHS, academic, museum, prison or other specialist library why not take this opportunity to showcase the work you do.
- The savings challenge- have you made any changes? Is this impacting your service?
- Workflows and new technology– do you have anything to share?
Your presentation can be on any topic. It can be either a
- Lightening talk- these are usually brief overviews which are 10-15 minutes long. Ideal for first time presenters.
- Full presentation- these are typically 30-40 minutes long.
If you would like the opportunity to present at the event could you send a short outline to
Amanda Foster by no later than
Friday 24th January please?
Nov 15, 2024 | Articles, Latest News & Updates
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in interlending, your experiences, ideas, and challenges are what make our FIL community vibrant and valuable. We’re inviting members to contribute articles that highlight what’s happening on the ground in libraries like yours -this is your chance to share what you’ve learnt and spark new ideas.

Bright Idea
Why Submit an Article?
Writing for FIL isn’t just about getting published; it’s about connecting with others in the field and contributing to a community that thrives on shared knowledge. When you share your story, you help your peers find inspiration and solutions—and you might even discover new ideas yourself. It’s also a brilliant way to showcase the unique work happening in your library.
What Should You Write About?
Your article could focus on practical challenges, emerging trends, or future opportunities. Have you come up with creative solutions for tricky requests? Is data helping you refine workflows or predict demand? Perhaps your service is adapting to meet budget constraints, or you’re preparing for the future with new technology. Whatever you’ve learned, there’s someone else in the FIL community who could benefit.
We’re especially interested in hearing from libraries of all kinds—academic, public, NHS, museum, or specialist. How does interlending look in your sector? What makes your service stand out? This is a chance to showcase your work and celebrate the diversity of our interlending community.
How to Get Involved
Sharing your story strengthens the FIL community, inspires others, and highlights the vital role interlending plays in connecting people with information. If you’re ready to contribute, just contact us to start the conversation.
Your voice matters – Let’s hear it!
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