Text versions of Help videos - Requesting options
If you are unable to view our online training videos, to help you use Explore the British Library, you may find these text versions useful. Alternatively, try our Adobe PDF files.
Some of the information is intended just for British Library Reader Pass holders (or registered document supply customers).
Comments are welcome and will be used to improve the help supplied.
Request for today
- Reader Pass holders must be logged in to Explore the British Library in order to place a request.
- Please note that when logged in your name will be displayed at the top of the screen.
- After your search the results list will be displayed.
- Click on Details to view the full catalogue record of an item.
- When you find an item you would like to order click on I want this to view the request option(s).
- Click on Go to request the item.
- Click on Request for today.
- Click on the Reading Location drop-down menu.
- Select, e.g., RARE BOOKS & MUSIC.
- Click on Confirm.
- A message about the status of the request and how many requests you have remaining will be displayed.
- Click on Close.
- You can now continue with your research in Explore the British Library.
Requesting in advance (Basket)
- Reader Pass holders must be logged in to Explore the British Library in order to place a request.
- Please note that when logged in your name will be displayed at the top of the screen.
- After your search the results list will be displayed.
- Click on Details to view the full catalogue record of an item.
- When you find an item you would like to order click on I want this to view the request option(s).
- Click on Add to basket to request the item.
- The Basket allows you to store and process up to 30 items.
- For periodicals the publication year must be entered.
- Enter the Year in the top text box.
- OR the Volume in the second text box.
- Click on Confirm.
- Click on the Date icon to select a different date.
- Select, the required date: e.g., September 23.
- Click on the Reading Location drop-down menu.
- Select, e.g., SCIENCE – FLOOR 2.
- Click on Request.
- A message about the status of the request and how many requests you have remaining will be displayed.
- Click on Close.
- Requesting a monograph involves fewer steps.
- Click on I want this to view the request option(s).
- Click on Add to basket to request the item.
- Click on Basket to specify the delivery date and reading location for the item.
- The Basket allows you to store and process up to 30 items.
- Click on the Date icon to select a different date.
- Select, the required date: e.g., September 23.
- Click on the Reading Location drop-down menu.
- Select, e.g., SCIENCE – FLOOR 2.
- Click on Request.
- A message about the status of the request and how many requests you have remaining will be displayed.
- Click on Close.
- You can now continue with your research in Explore the British Library.
Requesting electoral registers (for Readers)
- Reader Pass holders must be logged in to Explore the British Library in order to place a request.
- Click on the Request Other Items link.
- Select the Electoral Registers option.
- Select the Pre or Post 1984 button.
- Enter the Shelfmark of the Electoral Register in the Shelfmark box.
- E.g., BLW 120.
- The system will add an asterisk to the end of the shelfmark where necessary.
- Enter the name of the Constituency in the Constituency box.
- E.g., St Pancras North.
- Click on Request for today.
- Enter the Year in the top text box of the pop-up box..
- E.g., 1985.
- Click on Confirm.
- You can now submit further requests.
