If the Library does not hold the resource you need for your studies or research, you can ask us to obtain it for you.

Before making a request

There are a few places you can check to see if we already have what you need:

Make a request

Tell us what you need using this request form. You can ask us for books, journal articles, book chapters or theses for your research and we will find the best way to get you access to the material.

Make a request

Information about requesting

When you request an item, we will aim to obtain an electronic copy. If an electronic version is not available, we may purchase a print copy or borrow a copy from another library through Interlending. If we cannot source your item we will contact you.

You can request ebooks, even if we have physical copies of the book. Please bear in mind that not everything is available for the Library to buy as an ebook, even if a Kindle version exists.

Resources for staff and teaching

You will be notified by email when we have processed your request, and again when it’s available.

When will my material be available?

Ebooks are usually available within a few days of purchase. Journal articles or book chapters may be available even sooner, especially if you provide the ISSN/ISBN on the request form.

Standard print orders may take several weeks to arrive, depending on availability. If you need an item soon, please tell us on the request form.

Interlending items

When you request an item, we may borrow it from another university or institution for you to access. If we do this, we will let you know and you will see it appear under the ‘Requests’ section in your Library Account.

Interlending information for other libraries

We are happy to supply material to other libraries. Please get in touch by email: lib-interlending@york.ac.uk

Please note, we do not lend:

  • Theses
  • Rare books (eg York Minster Library, National Railway Museum or Borthwick Institute for Archives material)
  • Items on reading lists or reference items