How to request collection items

You can request items using our online form both in the Reading Rooms and remotely using your own device.

You will need a Reader Pass which has been issued or renewed since 21 March 2024 to request items online. If you have a Reader Pass which was issued before this date you will need to visit the Library in London or Yorkshire to renew your pass before you can request items online. This is because our systems have changed following a cyber-attack in October 2023. 

How to order items: 

1. Identify the item you need  

Use our interim catalogue to search for the item you need and find its shelfmark and title.  

Our specialist archive and manuscripts catalogue is not online at the moment, please contact our Reference team so we can help you find what you need and advise on its availability. 

If you wish to use sound and moving image content please contact the Sound and Vision Reference Team.

2. Follow the link to the online collection item request form. You'll find the link in the availability message for each item.

3. Complete the form, ensuring you enter the details you used to register for your Reader Pass, including a valid email address, so we can contact you with any updates. If your details don't match our database, we won't be able to process your request.

4. Enter when you would like to see the item. You can submit requests up to 28 days in advance. Requests for same-day delivery close at 16.00, any submitted after this time will be processed the next working day. Please allow two working days (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) for delivery to our St Pancras Reading Rooms for items stored at our site in Yorkshire. Otherwise, we endeavour to deliver your request within 70 minutes.

5. Select the Reading Room you’d like to use. Some items can only be consulted in specific Reading Rooms. We may need to redirect your request if we can’t deliver the item to your chosen room.

Please note you need to book an appointment to view items in the Print Room (found inside the Asian & African Studies Reading Room). To arrange this contact the Visual Arts team

6. We’ll email you to let you know if your request has been accepted, or if there are any issues. If there are, you can contact our team at itemrequests@bl.uk for help. Please note: even if your request is accepted, we cannot guarantee availability.

7. To check the status of your request please contact itemrequests@bl.uk. You can’t check this online yourself at the moment. 

Please note you need to submit one request per form, and can submit six requests per day, with 35 requests live at any time, including four manuscripts. 

To continue using the material you have ordered, we can reserve your items for up to three working days. It may be possible to extend the reservation period, please speak to a member of our team in the Reading Room for help with this. 

Our Reference team are specialists in our collection who can help you navigate our resources.   

Whether you are conducting scholarly research, seeking historical documents, or looking for the latest publications, our team can answer your questions and help you find accurate and relevant information.   

You can speak to us in the Reading Rooms, send us a message at any time, or speak to us instantly on Chat, open Monday to Friday 10.00 - 17.00