Interlibrary loans, subscriptions and copyright in the UK academic library sector

Higher education institution (HEI) libraries in the UK undertake a variety of interlibrary loan (ILL) and document supply operations, against a current background of increasing budgetary pressures. This article considers the foundations in so‑called library privilege exceptions in copyright law that underpin the long‑standing practice of ILL, aiming to address recurring issues and questions around what is permitted within the legislation, and which limitations apply. The focus is on addressing the ILL situation as it exists for non‑profit UK HEI academic libraries, including looking at some perceived ‘grey areas’.