If you would like to Request to collect a physical item that is in stock at one of the University Libraries or on loan to another borrower, you can use the Request function on the LibrarySearch catalogue and collect the item from any of our Campus Libraries.
If you are viewing your Reading List inside Canvas there should also be a 'Request' link visible on any physical items - please click on the book entry to open the book record in full view first or the request option will be hidden.
For items the Library does not stock please see the 'What is an Inter-Library Loan?' FAQ.
- Find the item you want to request on the LibrarySearch Library catalogue and click on the item title or the Available at / Not Available link that should appear in the record.
In the examples below you would click where it says either 'Sociology' or 'Business research methods' because those are the book titles, or on the 'Available at Walsall Library...' or 'Not Available' because those are the location links.
- This opens the full item record with the list of where the copies are located, and whether they are Available (on the shelf) or not. The wording for when items are not immediately available can vary, depending on the reason. You can click into the record to see more details if you want to.
In the examples below you can see one book has Available copies at Walsall Library and Hutchison Library, but not Harrison Library. The other book has copies at Harrison Library but not Walsall Library.
- On the item record will be a Find in Library section - click on the Request link.
If you cannot see the Request option click the Sign in link which will be displayed in the Find in Library section instead. This is because you need to be signed in to your Library account before you can place requests. The login is the same one you use for Canvas and your University outlook emails.
- Once the Request option is open, choose the Library you want to collect from on the Pickup Location drop-down list, then click Send Request. This will create your request within the Library system. If you would like to know more about what happens next with your request, please read the linked FAQ 'What happens when I place a request for a book?'
Can't login to the Sign in box?
- See the FAQs 'Why can't I login to the LibrarySearch catalogue?' and 'How do I login to library resources?' for help. Please note: having a University IT account is not the same thing as having a Library account.
- If the Sign in option freezes, or you are Signed in [your name appears at the top] but there is no 'Request' option for the print copies - this usually indicates an internet browser problem. Edge and Safari are the most problematic. Please try signing out and back in again. If the problem persists, try a different internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Chrome, or another device.
The catalogue won't allow you to request the item?
- Some physical items are reference use only - not to be taken out of the Library - and therefore cannot be requested. This includes items in the Theses and LPC collections.
- If you have already borrowed a copy of the book, or have an active request for the same title, you will not be able to create another request for it.
If you have any questions or need help with requesting, please contact the Library.
