Library & Cultural Services: Request a Resource: Information

Before making a request for resources, please check to see if we already have what you need. Use our library search to locate items available in the library collection, as well as open access content.

You can also check out our subject guides to find key resources in your subject, and install LibKey Nomad to help you access articles when browsing the web.

If we hold a physical copy of a book:

Please check our opening hours before visiting.
If all copies of a book are on loan, you can reserve a copy.
You may be able to borrow books that are held at another campus - see our FAQ on intercampus loans for details

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

We'll explore the best way to get you access to the material depending on what you need it for. Select your reason from the tabs below for information on how to submit your request.

If you wish to cancel any request that you have made, please contact us.

How to submit a request

To manually submit a request, please complete our request a resource (interlibrary loan) form .

Alternatively, you can submit a request directly from the library search by using the "expand my results" feature demonstrated in the below video. We ask you to check the library before submitting requests, and this is a convenient way for you to put in a request after you've searched!

Please note: We are aware that some of our patrons use AI software to help them identify and compile resources to read for their studies. AI-generated content may include resources as part of reference lists which are either entirely or partially fabricated. If you have generated a reference list using AI software, we ask that you please verify the resources actually exist before submitting any requests for them.

Information about requests

You can request a loan for a book or dissertation thesis, or a digital copy of a book chapter or journal article.
We are unable to supply digital copies of whole books, only physical loans.
Requests will be acquired via interlibrary loan.
We won't contact you about your request until we have acquired the item for you. You will receive an email to your Essex email address once we've received the item or if we are unable to acquire it.
The time it takes to receive items through this service varies. You can contact us if you'd like an update on your request.
Any electronic copies of articles and book chapters will be sent to you via email.
Any books can be collected from the library helpdesk. Most books can be taken out of the library but we will let you know if it has been supplied for use in the library only.
Please return interlibrary loan books to the helpdesk, or through the external book returns machine if the library is closed.
You can request to renew a book by contacting us as early as possible. Renewals are at the discretion of the lending library and therefore not always possible.
Overdue items are subject to a £4.65 fee.

For module supervisors or teaching staff

All purchasing for reading lists is managed through the online reading list system. Please see our reading list guidance for more information about this system, including how to add items to your list and relevant deadlines.

If you would like to request access to a resource for a reading list, please add the resource(s) to the online reading list and publish the list to notify the library. We will then receive a notification to review your list.

If you need any help, please contact us.

For students

We aim to provide access to all items included on online reading lists. If items on your reading list aren't available in the library, please contact us to let us know.

If your reading list isn't available online, please ask your module supervisor to make it available or inform the library using the contact us form.

How to submit a request

The library values purchase requests from our users to help develop and diversify our collection. This service may be appropriate for:

Adding diversity to the library collection or as part of efforts to decolonise the library.
A text in your area of research that is a key addition to the field, and that is of value to other researchers.
If you require access to a whole book for an extended period of time, where a limited time loan may not be suitable.

To submit your request, please complete our purchase request form .

If you require short term access to a resource for personal research or study, please instead see the information on the first tab.

Information about requests

Purchase requests can only be submitted for whole books.
All requests will be considered in line with our digital first policy, meaning we will purchase an e-book wherever possible. If this is unavailable, we will seek to order a print copy.
We aim to consider all requests within 3 working days. You will receive an email to your Essex email address once your request has been processed.
If an e-book is available, we aim to provide access within two weeks of your request. You will be notified once access is provided. Please bear in mind that not everything is available for the library to buy as an e-book, even if a personal Kindle version exists.
If we purchase a print book, we'll reserve the item for you and let you know when it arrives. Print books usually arrive within six to eight weeks of an order being placed.
If you would like to track the progress of your purchase request, please contact us.

If you have any questions about access to resources or making a request for a resource, please contact us.

For more information about accessing resources, you may want to explore:

Subject guides - curated by our Academic Liaison Librarians, these provide information about key resources in your subject.
Skills at Library - this guide takes you through the basics of using the Library and on to more advanced information literacy skills.
What is open access - learn more about open access, why it is important, and how to find open access content.
LibKey Nomad - find out about LibKey Nomad, a plugin for your web browser that lets you access articles while browsing the web.