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Library Services

How do I request?

How do I request... Articles?

Before you request anything first check MetSearch to see if the item you need is already in stock - remember to sign in.

Please also review the guidance concerning ‘What can I request?'


Requesting journal articles


Type the details of the article you're looking for in to the search box, ensuring that you are searching 'Everything':



If the library does not have access to the article a "No full-text" link will appear under the results:



Clicking on the "Interlibrary Loan Request" link will give you the option to place a request:



Complete the Interlibrary Loan Request form and remember to tick the Copyright Declaration box before sending the request:



Journal articles are supplied electronically. You will be notified by email when your request is available. Alternatively, you can check on its progress by clicking on your name in MetSearch and selecting 'My Requests' in your library account:



How do I request... Book Chapters?

Before you request anything first check MetSearch to see if the item you need is already in stock - remember to sign in.

Please also review the guidance concerning ‘What can I request?'


Requesting book chapters


Type the details of the chapter you're looking for in to the search box, ensuring that you are searching 'Everything':



If the library does not have access to the chapter a 'No full-text' link will appear under the results:



Clicking on the "Interlibrary Loan Request" link will give you the option to place a request:



Complete the Interlibrary Loan Request form and select the box 'I only need a specific chapter or pages'. Each individual chapter counts as one request:



Tick the Copyright Declaration box before sending the request:



Book chapters are supplied electronically. You will be notified by email when your request is available. Alternatively, you can check on its progress by clicking on your name in MetSearch and selecting 'My Requests' in your library account:



How do I request... Books?

Before you request anything first check MetSearch to see if the item you need is already in stock - remember to sign in.

Please also review the guidance concerning ‘What can I request?'


Requesting a book loan


Type the details of the book you're looking for in to the search box, ensuring that you are searching 'Everything':



If the library does not have access to the book a 'No full-text' link will appear under the results.



Clicking on the "Interlibrary Loan Request" link will give you the option to place a request:



Complete the Interlibrary Loan Request form and remember to tick the Copyright Declaration box before sending the request:



Wherever possible the library will try to source an electronic copy of the book requested. A link to the ebook and details on how to access it will be sent to your email address.

If it is not possible to supply access to an ebook to fulfil your request, a print copy will be sourced from another library for you to borrow. Please allow at least 3 working days before querying your book loan request. You will be notified by email when the book is available for you to collect. Please note that these books need to be collected from and returned to the staffed Library Helpdesk. Interlibrary loans cannot be issued on the self-service machines and should not be returned to a book box.


How do I request... a Thesis?

British Doctoral Theses

  • Search EThOS (Electronic Theses Online Service) to see if the required title is already available in a digitized, electronic format for immediate free download. If it is not, please submit a request using our Interlibrary loan request form and we will attempt to source it for you.
  • ***British Library’s EThOS, the repository for UK PhD theses, is currently unavailable after a serious ransomware attack last year.***
  • If we have to request digitization from the owning institution, please allow at least six weeks for the thesis to be supplied to EThOS and then scanned.
  • Most higher education institutions will not lend original copies of their doctoral theses; however, you may be able to visit the institution to consult the thesis in person.

American Doctoral Theses

Make your request using the Interlibrary Loan request form as above. We may be able to order an electronic or paper copy for you to keep. Due to the prohibitive cost, the library is only able to offer this service to Postgraduates and Researchers in the UK.