How do I - obtain materials not held in Birkbeck Library?

When you are researching a specialised topic we may not have all the material you require at Birkbeck. However, there are various options open to you:

Using other libraries

As a Birkbeck student you may be entitled to use other libraries, both in London and throughout the UK. For more information click on the Other Libraries tab above.

Inter-library loans

If the material you require is not held in any local library, you can apply for an inter-library loan. A charge of £1 will be made for each satisfied inter-library loan request (for multi-volume works £1 per volume). More information on interlibrary loans

Inter-library loan forms

• Request an inter-library loan - books/reports
• Request an inter-library loan - journal articles
• Renew an inter-library loan

Please note that if you submit an inter-library loan request for a book or thesis using the online form posted above, the charge will be added to your Library record when the item is received by the Library. This charge will be payable on collection of the item, and will apply even if you decide not to collect the item.

Requesting UK Doctoral theses

If you wish to order a doctoral thesis that has been awarded by a British University, you need to go to the British Library's Electronic Theses Online System (EThOS) web site to request a digital copy online. The British Library EThOS web site allows individual researchers to access and download e-theses awarded through UK Higher Education institutions, free of charge (in most cases) to the end user. More information on how to obtain access to electronic theses

Please note, if the thesis is not awarded by a UK university (i.e. overseas), you can request this using the ILL 'books/reports' form above.