Who can use this service?
All current LSE staff and students with a valid Library account can use the Get It For Me Service. Unfortunately we are unable to extend the service to alumni or visitors.
What can I ask for?
Just tell us what you need and we will do our best to add it to our collection, or get it from another library.
You can choose whether to request a book in print or as an ebook. If the book is not available in your chosen format, we’ll contact you with alternative options. Chapters and articles are always delivered electronically.
If we already hold a book but it is missing or long overdue, or if there are issues with accessing the ebook, let us know in the comments section of the request form and we can look for replacement or alternative options.
How long do requests take to arrive?
We can get you the following, with average delivery times:
- an ebook (inc. titles we hold in print only) : 1 week
- a print book (inc. titles we hold as ebook only) : 4 to 6 weeks*
- a single chapter of a book : 1 to 2 working days
- a journal article (one article per issue) : 1 to 2 working days
*Depending on availability with suppliers/lending libraries. Titles may arrive sooner, and some titles may take longer (eg, older and/or non-UK publications).
How to tell us about an ebook, article or chapter you want
1. Check details using Google Books, Worldcat or Library Hub Discover.
2. Sign in to your Library account.
3. Select the 'GET IT FOR ME' option in the site navigation.
4. Fill out the online form with request details.
5. We'll email you with a link to the item, confirmation of a print order, or with alternative options depending on the availability of the requested format. We usually respond within 24 hours or 2 to 3 working days in the case of print books.
6. Check request progress through your Library Account.
How to speed things up
- Chapters are available for rapid delivery if you submit the chapter title, number, or page range into the form.
- Be specific and accurate with what you want so we can work out the quickest way to get it for you.
- If you're asking for an article, using the DOI autofill will save time and ensure the details are accurate.
- Copyright law allows only one article or chapter from a journal or book. Request the whole item if you want more.
Interlending services for external libraries
We can currently only supply electronic copies of articles or chapters.
Email us requests providing the following information:
- Your British Library Billing Code
- Request reference
- Your request details (Title, Author etc.)
- Your British Library Location Code
From 1 April 2023, we will be restarting print interlending. We will require that all requests are sent via ISO exchange where possible. Requests via email will only be accepted if ISO exchange is not supported by your LMS.
Find out more about these changes to our print interlending policy.
Renewals and returns for external libraries
Contact us for a renewal. We are accepting returns, but as the team continues to do hybrid working, please email us to confirm any sent.
Fees for external libraries
We charge current British Library prices.