Invoicing questions

Why have I received a bill from SLSP?

You recently used fee-based services on www.swisscovery.slsp.ch, and these are now being billed via SLSP, as well as any reminders you may have received. SLSP operates the swisscovery platform on behalf of 490 libraries in Switzerland, and administers the billing process on their behalf.

How often will I receive a bill for fee-based swisscovery services?

Billing is carried out monthly by SLSP for the fee-based swisscovery services used in the month before last (i.e. in May for March).
Note: The first bills following the launch of swisscovery will be issued in April 2021, and contain all fees incurred between the launch of swisscovery and the end of February (7 December 2020 to 28 February 2021).

How can I pay my bill?

Use the QR code you received via email to pay your bill. The QR bill can be paid using your mobile banking app or e-banking. The QR code contains all the relevant information necessary for the payment process. Please note that a reference number must be provided when payment data is entered manually. Payments with no reference number cannot be assigned and will be reimbursed, with your bill remaining unpaid.

How can you settle a QR bill if you don’t use mobile or online banking?

The QR code for mobile and online banking is an extra feature on the bill, which still works just like a normal paying-in slip. It contains all the information you need, such as the payee, account number, reference number, currency, amount, etc., so you can also pay the bill using your existing payment methods. If you don’t have mobile or online banking, you can pay the bill over the counter at a Swiss Post branch or with a payment order in an envelope at your bank.

Can I continue to pay fees directly at the library?

In libraries where this was possible in the past, you will generally continue to be able to pay fees directly. Please enquire in advance whether this service is still available. Fees that have been billed via SLSP cannot be paid at the library and must be paid using the QR bill. Libraries have access to the library platform only, not to the central SLSP billing system.

Can I pay my fees directly at SLSP?

Unfortunately no, SLSP is a service provider for the Swiss scientific libraries and operates no service desk.

Who can I contact if something’s wrong with my bill?

If you have any questions regarding individual items on your bill, contact the library responsible for the item directly. Complaints are accepted by the library responsible within 30 days following dispatch of the bill.

Why are services from different libraries listed on the bill?

SLSP produces a collective bill for all libraries affiliated with swisscovery. The invoice shows from which library the relevant service was obtained. It may be the case that services from certain libraries are not included as they are not part of swisscovery and/or the services are billed by the library directly.

Which services on swisscovery are subject to a fee?

Please refer to the schedule of fees at SLSP | swisscovery pricing. Please note that libraries affiliated with swisscovery determine individually which services on swisscovery are subject to a fee for their customers, and the level of these fees.

My contact details are incorrect. How can I correct them?

Your personal data (e.g. postal address, email address for billing) must be corrected directly in your SWITCH edu-ID account. The libraries cannot process your personal details. Bills are issued via email, and contain your preferred postal address, which you can enter on the registration platform. You can choose whether to use your office or private address as your preferred postal address (swisscovery – managing library cards). In the case of an Institutional Account please send an email to swisscovery@slsp.ch, as these accounts cannot be managed via a SWITCH edu-ID account.

What happens if I don’t pay a bill?

If no payment is received by SLSP by the payment deadline, a reminder will be issued. If this reminder is ignored, a final reminder will be issued after 30 days. If the bill remains unpaid, the library where the fees were incurred reserves the right to temporarily block your access to swisscovery until payment has been made. If you are unable to pay the outstanding amount within the final deadline, please contact the library indicated.

I receive invoices and e-mails by SLSP in German, French, or Italian. How can I receive them in English?

You can set up your preferred language in your SWITCH edu-ID account. SLSP uses the language set in ‘Personal Data’ as the language of correspondence. In the case of an Institutional Account please send an email to swisscovery@slsp.ch, as these accounts cannot be managed via a SWITCH edu-ID account.

How can I pay my bill from abroad?

SLSP recommends carrying out transfers in Swiss francs, as the net outstanding amount is due in this currency. All fees for foreign payments are borne by you. To ensure that SLSP, or rather the library, receives the full amount, and your bill is settled correctly, please enter the details from the bill correctly. If you are unable to transfer the amount in Swiss francs, please contact the library where the fees were incurred.
As an alternative to expensive foreign payments, SLSP recommends paying bills at a branch of the post office ‘Die Post’ in Switzerland, where QR bills can be paid easily.

I have accidentally deleted my bill/I never received a bill. Where can I get a copy?

Please send an email to swisscovery@slsp.ch with your contact details, and we will send you a new bill. Before you do so, please check that the billing email with SLSP as the sender is not in your spam folder.

I have never received an invoice or a payment reminder. Why do I now receive a third dunning letter including a fee?

SLSP sends only a first and a second payment reminder. If you have received a payment reminder without a prior invoice, please check the spam folder of the preferred email address set in your SWITCH edu-ID account. SLSP sends invoices only per email and never by postal mail.