Order items held in our storage facilities and consult them in one of our libraries.
About offsite items
Most of the Bodleian Libraries' items are stored offsite (also known as 'closed stack' items). You will need to order these items in advance for delivery to a library. Our main storage area is called Bodleian Offsite Storage.
- Generally, items kept in offsite storage dated older than 2000 can be used only in a library, and are not available for borrowing. Please check SOLO to confirm an item's loan status.
- If a book with borrowing status is judged to be rare, damaged or particularly vulnerable, library staff may assign it as 'Use in Library Only'.
Check delivery locations and collection times
All University and Bodleian Reader card holders can order material stored offsite.
Check item availability in SOLO
You can check the status of an item in its record on SOLO, the main catalogue.
If the item is not immediately available, it might be on loan to another reader, stored offsite or held in 'closed stacks'. You can use SOLO to request or reserve an item that is not currently available on open shelves. If the item is from Bodleian Offsite Storage, you can have it delivered to a library.
How to make an item request
To reserve or request an item, sign into SOLO. You will need to use your Single Sign On (current members of the University) or your Bodleian Libraries account (non-members of the University).
- Find the SOLO record of the item you wish to access.
- Click ‘Find & Request’ and select ‘Request’.
- Choose your preferred delivery location from the dropdown list of 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.
- 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.
You may have a maximum number of 10 items awaiting collection at any one delivery location.
Track your request
Check 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.
