Use the 3Rs to explore the steps to follow when you can't get the books you need:

RESERVE – is the book out on loan? Make a reservation via Library Search, simply look it up, make sure  you are logged in, then select 'request this item'

REQUEST – if the book is not in stock make an Inter Library Loan request 

RECOMMEND – if the book is not in stock we may be able to purchase a copy through our 'Recommend a book not held by the library' service

The Can't find your resources library guide brings all the relevant information together in one place. 

It can sometimes be tricky to decide when to  request a book to be bought and when an ILL would be better:

• If you only require one chapter and not the entire book, an ILL is advisable. 
• ILL is also preferred for very specialized books that may never be used again. 
• Members of staff should use the staff book recommendation form to order books and DVDs for their own research or books for modules that they are teaching on. They should also use ILLs for their research especially for out-of-print or specialized material. If in doubt please contact the appropriate Liaison staff.  Alternatively if resources are needed for taught modules, contact the reading list team