The University houses many items that are not available on the open shelves. These include:

• University of Leicester theses
• Special Collections material
• Stock that is housed in the External Store

If you wish to use any of these items we provide a retrieval service. This is not an on-demand service and you are advised to request items in advance of when you wish to consult them. Retrieval times in vacations are subject to the Library being open. Please check our opening hours in advance.

Identifying items that are on closed access

Material that is on closed access can be identified through the Catalogue by checking the location of the item. Those items listed as being in the:

• Rare Books
• Locked Stack
• External Store

are on closed access and will need to be retrieved for you.

Requesting theses

To make a request use the Catalogue to place a hold on the required item. Holds can be made at anytime, but items are retrieved at a set time and not on-demand. Please note:

• You cannot place holds for more than 6 items at one time.
• You are advised to check your library record via the Catalogue, in advance of collection to confirm that the item is ready for you. Sorry, emails are not generated for theses retrievals.
• Holders of day tickets and reference-only cards should go to the Service Desk on the Ground Floor of the David Wilson Library to place a hold.

Theses can only be consulted in the David Wilson Library and may not be removed from the building. Theses will be held for up to 48 hours and will be available for collection from the Express Zone as follows:

Special Collections items

Items from the Special Collections may only be consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room in the Basement of the David Wilson Library. This is open by arrangement 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. You will receive an email or printed notice to confirm that your item is ready for consultation in the Special Collections Reading Room. The item will be held in Special Collections for up to seven days.

Special Collection items have to be retrieved and are not available on-demand. Requests for items should be made in advance and items are usually available as follows:

* Some items are still in the External Store; for these items the following will apply:

External Store items

Items from the External Store will usually be available for normal loan. You will receive an email or printed notice to confirm that your item is ready to be collected. The item will be held at the library for up to seven days.

Further help and advice

Is available from:

• Library Enquiry Service either in person, by email at library@le.ac.uk or by telephone (0116) 252 2043
• Special Collections Service by email at specialcollections@le.ac.uk or by telephone (0116) 252 2056