Finding items in other libraries

If we don't have a copy of an item you need at Reading you can order a copy via the inter-library loans service. Alternatively you can visit another library to find the article.

Step 1: search union catalogues

To find out if another library has the item you need you can search the following union catalogues, which simultaneously search the holdings of many UK libraries. If you are looking for a journal article, search for the title of the journal/periodical in which your article was published.

• Library Hub Discover (Jisc) - search across the catalogues of many major UK and Irish academic, national and specialist libraries, including the British Library
• WorldCat - search across library catalogues from all over the world, including many UK academic, specialist and public libraries   
• British Library catalogue

Step 2: find out if you can visit the library

If you find the item you need is available at another library, check before visiting to make sure you will be welcome!  Consult our using other libraries guide for an overview of the schemes you might be able to use to access other libraries or check access to the British Library.