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The University of Manchester Library

Order a Book - students

We understand your frustration when you can’t get the book you need for your studies.

Person reading book

This is the Order a Book service for students.

Order books for your studies

If the Library doesn’t already hold a copy of the book you need, fill in the order form and we will get it for you.

Please note:

  • We will provide books electronically whenever possible. If we can’t order an e-book, we will order a print copy for you.
  • This service does not include reading list resources: for any issues regarding availability of reading list items please speak with your course leader in the first instance.
  • This service does not include requests for streamed video. For such requests, please follow visit the Streamed video access page.

Before ordering

Before ordering a book please note the following:

  • Check that the Library does not already have a copy of the book: Search books
  • If we have the book but it is out on loan please use the ‘Request a book’ service.
  • Select your orders carefully so that we can manage demand effectively.
  • All resources purchased by this service remain property of the Library and may be recalled.

How long will it take?

  • We will make e-books available as soon as possible.
  • Normally print books will be available within 25 calendar days of the initial request.
  • You will be notified via email when the book is available (if this is a print copy you will be asked to pick it up from the ‘Collectme’ room).

Order form

Order a Book request form

If we can’t purchase your item, we will try to provide you with access to copies held at other libraries in the UK and overseas.

Inter-library loans

How long will it take?

  • Books are usually supplied within 20 days although some items take longer to satisfy (as circumstances differ for each request).
  • You will be notified by email through your University of Manchester address when your request arrives.
  • To check the progress of your requests please contact  us at uml.mdoc@manchester.ac.uk. If you provide your Library ID number we can check up on your requests more speedily.

Collect your items

From Monday 30th June until the start of the Academic year 2025/25, ILL material, including Reference material, can be collected or consulted in person at the Art and Archaeology Library (A+A) between the hours of 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.

Information on the Main Library closure is available on the Library webpages.

Non-collection of material

Please contact us within seven days of your arrival notification if you no longer need the item.

Returns, renewals and overdue items

Returns

  • Books must be returned by the date shown on the date slip we have placed in the book.
  • Items borrowed from other libraries may be subject to immediate recall.
  • From Monday 30th June until the start of the Academic year 2025/25, ILL loans can be returned to the Art and Archaeology Library between the hours of 10am – 4pm, or handed to a member of Library Staff at the Main Library entrance.

Overdues

  • Any charges incurred as a result of late returns or lost and damaged items have to be met by the borrower. If an item is returned very late, damaged or lost, you will be invoiced by the lending institution for a replacement copy (the British Library, for example, will charge you a minimum of £214).

Renewals

  • In some cases you can renew items borrowed from other libraries. Please contact us at least a week before the due date to see if this is possible
  • If you have any queries about renewals of books supplied by other libraries, please contact us at uml.mdoc@manchester.ac.uk

Is there anything I can’t order?

  • Our own stock (including items which are out on loan). Always check Library Search beforehand.
  • British Standards and overseas standards and patents. These are mostly available electronically although we are unable to purchase this material for you.
  • Pre-1900 material. A vast amount of pre-1800 material is held electronically - see EEBO: Early English Books Online - for more information.
  • Most theses - please see the Search Theses page for more information.

Graduate members

If you wish to request books that we don’t hold from other libraries in the UK and overseas please complete the following form and email it to uml.mdoc@manchester.ac.uk

Contact us

Contact the Order a Book team.

Email us