How do I request a book or item from storage?

The UMN libraries is a large library system and although our goal is to have has much stuff available on our shelves for students to see for themselves we do have items in storage. Some of these materials might be restricted to "in building use" only but this guide is designed to tell you more on how to request items to get books out of storage.

In general, books and items which are older tend to be in storage or items from Libraries that have moved or changed such as the Health Sciences Libraries are examples. 

NOTE: If you only need part of a book -- like one or two chapters -- you can request for them to be scanned and we will send you the PDF. To request this, use our Interlibrary Loan and Digital Delivery request form. Complete the form with the information about the book and the chapter or pages you would like -- we will work to scan them and email them as a PDF in 3-7+ days. 

How do I know if a book is in storage? 

There are some codes to look for in Libraries search:

• IN STORAGE: MN Lib Access Ctr
• TC Offsite
• TC Health Sciences Library Storage

After you find a book or item in Libraries Search -- click on the title. 

Step 1:

Click "sign in to request Sign in." Then sign in with your UMN Internet ID/email and password.  

Step 2:

You will see "Get it." Click Get it" 

Step 3:

Click drop down next to "pick up location" and select a library. We will move the book or item to that library. You can pick it up at the service desk in that library location with your UCard. Scroll down to select mail delivery, enter mailing address. Office delivery is available for faculty, instructors and staff. 

Step 4: 

We will move the book or item form storage to the location of your choice. We will send you an email when the book is available in that location. Generally this takes 3-5+ days. Home or office delivery takes 5-10+ days. 

There are some codes to look for in Libraries search:

• IN STORAGE: MN Lib Access Ctr
• TC Offsite
• TC Health Sciences Library Storage

Reach out for help with Get It materials and delivery at getit@umn.edu.

Many items in Andersen Library Archives and Special Collections or in rare books are NOT loanable but ARE available for research. 

If you see an item you are interested in -- which is labeled "policy: not loanable" simply _______________________________.

What about HathiTrust?

Some historic items (out of copyright) have been scanned and are available in the full text online. Simple click the link - "Full text available in HathiTrust" to view.