Following the serious cyberattack in autumn 2023, the British Library remains unable to re-start all digital systems. In the interim we will be running a modified service, with most activities carried out manually, rather than by API. This naturally means that it will take more time than the previous method.
Key differences include:
- An increased supply turnaround (from 48 hours to 4 days)
- A pre-approved copyright fee acceptance of up to £40 per extract
- A cancellation limit of 24 hours from placing an order (after which the order will be in process and so cancellation will not be possible)
The copyright fee element of an EHESS fee is set by the publishers for their titles. There is an agreed default fee for any title where the publisher has not set a specific fee (currently £30 for a book chapter and £38 for a journal article). In the automated EHESS process, HEIs would see the fee before placing the order. In the more manual interim process, this won’t be possible.
We aim to limit the number of email interactions by requiring HEIs to only place an order if they accept up to £40 for the copyright fee. This is close to the default fee and accounts for around 80% of requests over the past 2 years. If a fee is above £40, the British Library will inform the HEI, who can then take the decision to order at this price or not.
We will monitor the service to ensure the pre-approved price cap serves a balance of control for HEIs and manageability for the British Library.
How do we place an order in the interim service in the DCS?
Assuming your HEI is registered for EHESS and set up for the service in the DCS, you will be able to place an order through the ‘order from EHESS’ button as usual. The CLA team will then liaise with the British Library to manage the order to closure or upload of scan.
If you usually order directly from the British Library, please continue to do so. The team there will pick up and manage your order directly.
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