Need something we don't have?
Find out what you can do if you're looking for an item that we don't have in the library collection.
Searching beyond the library's collection
NTU offers a Get my Book/Journal Article service for items not in our library collection and that are needed for your study or research here at NTU. This service is provided by the resource sharing team. To request an item please log in to Library OneSearch (LOS) with your NTU email. From Library OneSearch, you can:
- Search ‘beyond the library's collection’ and click the 'get it from other libraries' panel to
request a whole book or digital chapter/article. - Select 'get my book' or 'get my journal article' and complete the request form. Providing
detailed information (e.g., ISBN/ISSN) helps us supply items faster.
When submitting a ‘get my book/journal article’ request, please specify a 'not needed after' date. If we cannot find the item by this date, the request will be cancelled. For more details, view our FAQ below.
If you would like help with making a get my book/journal article request or using Library OneSearch, please speak to a member of library staff. Staff are available at library information desks during service hours.
Processing your request
After submitting a ‘get my book/journal article’ request you can track its progress in your library account:
- Requested: The request has been submitted.
- In process by lender: We are waiting to hear from a supplier.
- Shipped: Physical items in transit to your collection library.
- Received: Physical items ready for collection at the library's information desk (issued/returned only during service hours).
- Checked out: You currently have the item on loan
- Sent: You’ll receive a link to digital items by email, either through Library OneSearch or the supplier. Once available, the request will either disappear or show as ready to download in your account.
If you have questions, please contact us via email LIB.ILLs.Boots@ntu.ac.uk or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2889.
Copyright Restrictions
To comply with Copyright Law you will be asked to confirm that your request is for non-commercial research or private study. You will be asked to declare that:
- I have not previously been supplied with a copy of the same material by you or any other librarian,
- I will not use the copy except for research for a non-commercial purpose or private study and will not supply a copy of it to any other person or distribute it electronically; and
- To the best of my knowledge no other person with whom I work or study has made or intends to make, at or about the same time as this request, a request for substantially the same material for substantially the same purpose.
- I understand that if the declaration is false in a material particular, the copy supplied to me by you will be an infringing copy and that I shall be liable for infringement of copyright as if I had made the copy myself.
If your query is not answered by the questions below, please contact us via email LIB.ILLs.Boots@ntu.ac.uk or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2889. The resource sharing team is available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.
Frequently asked questions
Requests for items available in both physical and digital formats will be filled digitally unless:
- Digital format is unavailable.
- Physical copy is more economical or sustainable.
- Our records show that you are registered to receive materials in alternative formats (as
identified by Student Support services)
If you require alternative formats and have not registered with student support services, please contact Student Support for more information.
Requests for items already in NTU's physical or digital stock may not be fulfilled (except as outlined above, please contact us). If you have trouble accessing an available item, please contact us.
You can request digital versions of print items already in stock. Please go to the relevant item record in Library OneSearch. Select 'Where is this in the library', then select 'Ask the library to find an online version'.
We don't charge for requests or renewals. We fulfil requests from various sources, including The British Library and other libraries UK-wide. Penalties for unreturned or damaged items from other libraries will be passed on to you and added to your library account. If you receive an item in poor condition, please inform us so we can take note of it.
Get my Book/Journal Article services are available to all NTU researchers and students, but some restrictions apply. We can only supply requests to Distance Learners in digital format. With regret, we are currently unable to offer services to Alumni, associate readers, and students on validated courses.
To comply with copyright law requests must support NTU non-commercial research or study. The team may ask for clarification if a request seems unrelated to your course. Please help our team by sharing information about how requested items relate to your non-commercial research or study.
Requests may be declined due to availability, suitability, or cost. Where we are unable to supply a request, you will be offered a referral to our academic engagement team who may be able to help find an alternative.
The length of a resource sharing loan varies by format and supplier. Digital items usually don't have due dates and remain available for the duration of your course/project.
Physical items can be kept for 4-12 weeks, with due dates visible in your library account. Some items may have specific restrictions, such as 'reference only' use in the library. We'll inform you of any restrictions. Physical items are not auto renewed; contact us at LIB.ILLs.Boots@ntu.ac.uk two to three days before the due date to request a renewal. Renewals are at the lending library's discretion.
Physical items may be recalled by lending institutions, requiring you to return them early. If you receive a recall email, please return the item by the new due date.
Requests for electronic book chapters and journal articles are usually supplied within 24 hours. Whole book requests (physical or digital) can take several days, typically within 7 days. If a request is delayed, our team will contact you.
Physical items can be collected from any NTU library. You'll be notified when your item is ready for collection. Uncollected items will be returned to the supplier after 28 days.
Please ensure that physical items are returned to a Library information desk, not through self-service machines.
NTU libraries may offer home delivery for those registered for postal loans. For more information, see here.
We don't limit the number of requests per academic year, but we may monitor excessive use. This is to ensure that our budget is allocated fairly, and our services are sustainable.
If multiple requests for the same item are received, we may contact you for further details. The library may need to consider whether the item is required by other users and should be purchased for the collection.