Request items to a library

Order items held in our storage facilities and consult them in one of our libraries.

Closed stack material

Most of our material is stored offsite and needs to be ordered in advance of your visit. Our storage is called ‘closed stacks’.

Most closed stack material is reference-only, and not available for borrowing. Please check with your individual library for exceptions.

Check delivery locations and collection times

All University and Bodleian Reader card holders can order closed stack material.

Checking the status of your material in SOLO

The status of an item will be displayed in its record on SOLO, the main catalogue.

If the item is not immediately accessible, it may be on loan to another reader or held in ‘closed stacks’. You can use SOLO to request or reserve an item that is not currently available on open shelves and have it delivered to a library. This is called ‘placing a hold request’.

Placing a hold request

To reserve or request an item, sign into SOLO using your Single Sign On (current members of the University) or your Bodleian Libraries account (non-members of the University).

1. Locate the SOLO record of the item you wish to access.
2. Click ‘Find & Request’ and select ‘Request’.
3. Choose a delivery location from the dropdown list of delivery / pick up locations. Most items can be requested to any library that receives stack requests. However, exceptions apply for special categories of materials such as very large items or rare books.
4. Once you have chosen a location, click ‘Send Request’.

In some locations, items may be eligible for Self Collect. This allows you to collect items directly from shelves in the library without needing to consult a member of staff at the desk.

The maximum number of items you may have awaiting collection at any one delivery location is usually 10.

Track your request

You will be able to see the progress of your requests on the ‘Requests’ tab of My SOLO. You will receive an email notification when your item has been delivered to your chosen library.

Delivery

Delivery times vary, depending on the distance the item must travel. Most items will arrive within 24 hours. Items requested on a Saturday or Sunday, or during closed periods, will take longer to arrive.

You will receive an email when your item is ready for collection from your chosen delivery point.

The loan period for a closed stack item is 7 days from delivery at the collection point.

Items can be renewed through My SOLO: this will extend the loan period for a further 7 days from the date of renewal. Closed stack loans may be renewed indefinitely unless another reader places a hold on the item.

Guide to using My SOLO account