Request Materials

Patrons may request available UC materials be sent to the University of Cincinnati Libraries location of their choice for pick up. Complete the request online through the "Request" option in the library catalog or at the library's circulation desk. 

Allow two to three business days for requested materials to arrive at the library pick-up location.

Please note: Some library locations have in-house request and pickup. Others do not (due to staffing limitations.) Contact your library to learn more. 

When desired materials are not available from any University of Cincinnati Libraries location, patrons may request available items from an OhioLINK library. Search for materials in the OhioLINK Library Catalog (after duo authenitcating) and request items using the link in the record. Follow the directions for specifying a pick-up location.

OhioLINK is especially important for distance learners, who can request materials via OhioLINK but have them delivered to location other than UC. This service is called Pickup Anywhere. For example, a remote School of Nursing student living in Columbus could have a Kent State book sent to OSU's Thompson Library, where they could check the book out using their UC ID.

Materials from other OhioLINK libraries generally arrive within 3-5 business days. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may utilize My Library Record to check on the status of your request. "In-transit" means the materials are en route to UC. 

Patrons may also visit other OhioLINK libraries and borrow materials directly using their UC ID.

If materials are not available via UC Libraries, OhioLINK or SearchOhio, faculty, students, and staff may request the material through interlibrary loan via ILLiad. Users may submit book requests via the “Request item via ILLiad” link in a WorldCat record, submit requests via the Article Linker link found in library databases, or manually enter information on an ILLiad request form.

If there are no available copies in the OhioLINK catalog, try SearchOhio.

SearchOhio is a consortium of over 20 public libraries in the state of Ohio. Click on the SearchOhio button that appears in the OhioLINK catalog to enter the SearchOhio catalog. If the desired material is available, click on the "Request Item" link and enter the appropriate information. You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available for pick up. You may utilize My Library Record to check on the status of your request.

To Request a Book:  From the UC library catalog, choose the “Request” option for materials displaying the location: SW Depository.  Please allow 3-5 business days for the material to be delivered to your pick-up location.

To Request an Article: To obtain a copy of an article from a journal that has the location: SW Depository, please use the ILLiad Interlibrary Loan system. If you do not have an ILLiad account you will be required to create one. Once you have successfully logged into ILLiad, choose New Request - Article. Enter as much information as you can. In the note field, please enter: SW Depository. In most cases, the article will be delivered to the web and accessible online within 2-3 days. You will receive e-mail notification indicating how to view the article online.

Users who are not affiliated with the University of Cincinnati may request articles from journals held at the SW Depository by using the Southwest Ohio Regional Depository Request Form. Please supply as complete a citation as possible. You will receive an e-mail notification with a PDF attachment of the requested article.

Government documents housed at SW Depository can be requested through the OhioLINK central catalog using your public library card or library staff can request the item on your behalf for delivery to Langsam Library. See a library staff person for further information.

If a desired item is checked out (or otherwise unavailable), patrons should check OhioLINK and SearchOhio online catalogs for availability of another copy. Otherwise they may place a hold on the item by clicking "Request" from the item record in the online catalog. A hold prevents the current patron from renewing the item or, when applicable, initiates a recall. When the item is returned, it is held at the circulation desk for ten days; the requesting patron is notified of availability and may then check out the item. Patrons can monitor their requests and holds using the View Your Library Record option.