Problems finding resources

Our Library doesn't have everything, but here's some tips on making sure whether we've got something, and what you can do if we've not.

YorSearch says the item is available but you can't find it on the shelf

If an item is showing in YorSearch as available then it should be where YorSearch says it is. But that's not always the case. It could just be that someone is reading the book somewhere in the Library, or it might be hiding in a different way...

If the item has only recently been returned then it may still be on its way to the shelves. There are reshelving rooms on the first and second floors of the Morrell Library. You're welcome to check them.
Go back to YorSearch and double-check that you're looking in the right place. We shelve big books (quarto and folio) separate to ordinary sized books to make more efficient use of the space. YorSearch will tell you which shelves you need but it can be easy to miss.
If you still can't find the item, come to the Help Desk and tell us. We'll see what we can do.

There's more advice on finding items in a library on our Libraries Skills Guide.

You've been told we've got an item but it's not appearing in YorSearch

YorSearch contains everything we have and more besides, but it's not always easy to find things in it.

Check that you've searched using the right information. For example, have you got the correct spelling?
Less is often more with YorSearch. If it's a long title with a lot of punctuation, try reducing it to the more important words.
If you've just searched with the title and you're getting a lot of irrelevant results, try adding the author's surname to your search.
Check the reference with whoever gave it you. It might be that it's not quite right.
If you're still not finding what you need, come and ask us at the Help Desk.

For more advice on searching YorSearch, take a look at our YorSearch Skills Guide.

What to do if we don't have what you want

We can't have a copy of everything. Perhaps you've followed a Find It @ York link from a database only to be told by YorSearch that we haven't got it. Or maybe you've searched YorSearch yourself and the item you're after isn't there.

Just because we don't own a copy of something doesn't mean you can't read it. If we don't have it but you really want to read it, here's some things to try:

1. Google Scholar

Google Scholar includes links to freely available PDFs and alternate versions of articles. If you're after an article we don't have, you could try copying and pasting the title into Scholar and seeing if anything turns up.

2. Institutional repositories

If the article you need was written by someone at a university, they might have placed a copy in that university's institutional repository. You could check their website for more details.

3. Other libraries

You can access items at other libraries. Apply to the Library for a SCONUL Access card so that you can access other UK university libraries or book a place on our free weekly minibus to the British Library at Boston Spa.

4. Ask us to obtain a copy

We can source articles and books from elsewhere. You can request journal articles via Interlending, and you can ask the Library to consider purchasing any books you need.

Contact your Faculty Librarian

Still stuck? Get in touch with your department's Faculty Librarian for advice.

Find your Academic Liaison Librarian

Searching for information: a practical guide

Take a look at our in-depth guide to finding information.

Go to the searching guide