Reservations and Requests

Reservations and requests

Reserving items online

• search for the titles you require using the Library Catalogue
• click 'place reservation' and log-in using your library card number and PIN
• charges apply and will be recorded in your Library account, up the limit of £4.99 to be paid on collection
• check when items are available by logging in to 'My Account and Renewals'.
• if you choose to cancel a reservation you will still have to pay the reservation charge, which covers administration, and is non-refundable.
• See also - How to place a reservation

Reserving items at a branch

• fill in a reservation card
• please give as much detail as possible to help staff trace the item you are looking for
• it is not possible to reserve reference books.
• charges apply and are payable on collection
• you will be contacted when your items are ready for collection and you can also check by logging in to the 'My Account' area of the Library Catalogue
• if you choose to cancel a reservation you will still have to pay the reservation charge, which covers administration, and is non-refundable.

Requesting items not in stock

• if you have searched the catalogue, but can't find what you want, we can usually request books and periodical articles from other libraries in the UK.
• please complete a request form giving as much detail as possible to help staff trace the item you are looking for.
  Charges apply and are payable on collection
• it is not possible to request DVDs, CDs and other audiovisual items from other libraries in the UK
• if you choose to cancel a request you will still have to pay the request charge, which covers administration, and is non-refundable.

Subject Enquiries

If you are unable to satisfy your information needs with stock available in Hampshire libraries and you have not been able to identify specific titles we also offer a subject request service.

Trained staff will search a range of sources, including print, online databases and the Internet. When possible we will supply books or magazine articles providing you with the information you need via your local library.

If we can't find anything relevant, or are unable to borrow suitable items, we will try to provide you with a bibliography and/or details of internet sources or other organisations which will assist your research. Occasionally, we may also decide to purchase relevant publications.

There is a charge for this service.

The standard fee covers

• search for up to three books from Hampshire stock
• search for one book or journal article via our interlibrary loans service
• and/or a pick-list of titles.  
• details of any relevant organisations and/or reliable websites
  

Not included

• request charges for items obtained from Hampshire stock
• request charges for book / periodical article obtained via  interlibrary loans.
• photocopying charges
• copyright charges
• printing charges - for printouts from the internet and of journal articles

We are unable to undertake detailed genealogical, market or technical research.