Request Books and Other Physical Items

Borrow physical materials from UC Davis, UC system libraries, or other libraries around the world via interlibrary loan

Even with more than 10 million items in the UC Davis Library or stored at one of the two UC-system storage facilities, users still find need for materials not available in our collections. The library’s Interlibrary Loan service borrows materials from other libraries around the world for UC Davis faculty, staff, and students to support university research, teaching, coursework, and patient care needs.

In addition to borrowing items from other libraries, Interlibrary Loan is also able to scan copies of physical articles and chapters to provide digital access to the things you need.

We recommend getting familiar with our Interlibrary Loan policies before initiating a request for items at another institution.

How to Make a Request

In order to access all available search results and make requests, users should sign-in to their library account before searching UC Library Search or a licensed library database to search for materials.

Materials Owned by UC Davis

If UC Davis owns the physical item that you need, use the “UCD request” link in UC Library Search. This link lets you request UC Davis-owned books, journal volumes, and media.

If the UC Davis-owned copy is unavailable, click the link to “Request through Interlibrary Loan” instead. UC Davis items that are on loan are not currently being recalled so requesting these materials via Interlibrary Loan will provide the speediest turnaround.

If the item that you need is on the shelf here at UC Davis, it’ll be pulled by library staff and placed on a library hold shelf for more convenient pick-up. These items are generally available for pick-up within 2-3 business days. These items may also be delivered via the library’s shipping service.

Materials Owned by Other Libraries

Items found via UC Library Search

If UC Davis doesn’t own the physical item that you need, click the link to “Request through Interlibrary Loan” in your UC Library Search result.

Items found via other library databases

If the search result is in another library database, such as Worldcat, click to request the material be delivered for pick-up from a library hold shelf.