Request

Requesting BGSU Items

You can request any item in the BGSU catalog that has a “request item” button at the top of the screen. Items that are checked out, in non-circulating collections, or otherwise not available, will not have a request button to click. Once you have requested the item, library staff will bring the item to the main Circulation Desk on the first floor for you to check out. Please allow 24-48 hours. You will get an email when the item is ready to pick up.

Requesting Library Use Only Items from Special Collections

Material from Special Collections marked "Library Use Only" can be requested by contacting collection staff.  You can also request them directly from the library catalog by using the "Schedule for use" button.  You will receive an email when the item is ready to pick up. 

Requesting OhioLINK items

You can request OhioLINK items by searching the OhioLINK catalog directly, or by searching using BGSU's Summon search or the BGSU catalog, and then clicking the Search OhioLINK button.

After clicking the Request button, you will first be asked for your school or institution. BGSU patrons should choose Bowling Green. On the next screen, you will be asked where you would like to pick up the item; you may choose any OhioLINK institution.

At this point, you will be asked for your name and ID number. Enter your name, not your username (John Smith, not jsmith) and your 10 digit BGSU ID number.

If you get an error message at this point, please contact us with the exact text of the error so we can assist. Note that if all copies are checked out and none are due within 10 days, you will not be able to place your request.

SearchOhio

SearchOhio is the public library equivalent of OhioLINK. Use SearchOhio to find leisure reading, children’s books, DVDs and music, and more. You can get to the SearchOhio catalog directly, or by clicking through from OhioLINK.

Interlibrary Loan

Use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request books that are not available through OhioLINK or SearchOhio. ILL may also be used to request book chapters or journal articles, which will be delivered electronically.

Deliveries to Distance Learners

If you live within Ohio, you can request your OhioLINK books to be delivered to any OhioLINK member library. If you live outside of Ohio, we can mail physical items from our collection, OhioLINK, or Interlibrary Loan to your home address. You will be responsible for return shipping costs. Contact the circulation desk to get started. 

Purchase Requests

To ask that the library purchase a specific title, use the book purchase request form.