Requesting items

Information on how to obtain items that are not on the library shelves, or if you are not based in Dunedin.

Request it using Library Search | Ketu

Most material you find through Library Search | Ketu can be requested. There are some exceptions so if you have any problems contact us ask.library@otago.ac.nz

Requesting an item from any University of Otago library (including items out on loan):

When you have found the item you want in Library Search | Ketu:

1. Click on Available in the Library then Sign in for request options.
2. Select Request and choose a pick-up location.

You will receive an email when it is ready to be collected.

Requesting items if you are a University of Otago Distance student

1. Use Library Search | Ketu to find the book you want.

IMPORTANT! Sign in – You need to be signed in to get full access to online content and request options.

2. Enter the item title in the search box, choose Title from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on Search. If we hold the item it will appear in the results list. If needed, you can refine your results using the filters on the left-hand side.
4. Click on Request.
5. Select pickup location of Home Delivery.

If you are studying an on-campus paper, or you are on placement, you might not see the Home Delivery option. If you are living outside Dunedin, you can still request items for Home Delivery. Select your nearest Otago library (e.g 'Wellington' or 'Central') as the pickup location and type 'please deliver to' and your delivery address into the comments box.

Requesting journal articles and book chapter scans

1. Use Library Search | Ketu

IMPORTANT! Sign in – You need to be signed in to get full access to online content and request options.

2. Enter the book or journal title in the search box, choose Title from the drop-down menu, then Search.

If we hold the item it will appear in the results list. Lots of results? Use the filters on the left to narrow it down. 'Available Online' indicates an ebook or ejournal and you should be able to access it online.  For journals, check the dates listed against the database name to make sure the database has the year that you want   If the book or journal isn't available online, look for an 'Available in the Library' version in the results list.

3. Click on Available in the Library.

For book chapters

1. Click on Scan Request.
2. In Request details enter the chapter details, you can copy and paste your citation.

For journal articles

1. If the journal is held at several locations, you might need to click on a location to see the request options.
2. Check the Holdings to see if we hold the issue you need. If the issue is listed, click on Scan Request to the right of the listing.
3. Copy and paste your citation into the box underneath the description.

If the issue you want is held, but is not listed separately, click on Request a scan from a different issue.    Enter the year, volume and issue, and then copy and paste the citation details.

Then

4. Click on Request. You will see a 'Request placed' message, if your request was successful.
5. If we don't have the volume / issue number you require use the Request an Interloan option and we will get it for you.   We will scan the section you want (within copyright guidelines) and email it to your @otago email address.

Request it via Interloans

If it's not found in Library Search | Ketu we will get it for you from another library, usually at no charge.

To make a request:

1. Sign-in to the Interloans service
2. Search for the book or journal title you want.
3. Click Get It to place a request. The details of the item along with your details will automatically populate the request form.
4. Fill in the part details for a journal article or book chapter.
5. For loans, select your pickup location. Distance students select 'University of Otago Distance Services' as pickup location and we will post the book to you.
6. If you cannot find what you are looking for click on Create Request and fill in a blank request form.