The Stack Service

The areas of the Library that readers are not able to browse are called 'the stack'. The stack includes the tower part of Senate House and our Offsite Store.

Books and periodicals located in the stack are fetched by Library staff. If you see the word STACK or the letter S as part of a location code, and there is a “Request” button available at the top or right hand side of the catalogue record, please click on this and enter your details. If there is no request button, under "other sources" choose the "classic catalogue" option on the right hand side, then click on the "request it" button. Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to type in your name and user number (the number written underneath the barcode on your Library ticket). When typing in your user number, ensure that you type in the whole number without leaving any spaces and include any final check digit or character such as X . For ICOMM and IGS stack items please ask at the Circulation Desk for a stack fetch request form.

Stack Service fetching

Items will normally be fetched in under an hour from the time the request was submitted.

If the item has been requested online, we will send you an email informing you that your item is ready to be collected. Books are held at the counter for eight days. Periodicals are held over to the next day. Most books from the Stack may be borrowed or photocopied but please check first with a member of staff. You may be asked to consult old or fragile material under supervised conditions in the Special Collections reading room, 4th floor.

Please note that items requested up to an hour before closing time will be fetched the following working day.

Stack Service - fetching items from the Offsite Store

Items with the location STACK SERVICE (OFFSITE STORE) will have to be fetched from our storage facility in Egham. The Offsite Store sends material to Senate House Library once a day, on weekdays. There is no delivery on Saturdays. Requests are usually satisfied between 24-48 hours of notice. There is a “Request” button available at the top of the catalogue record, please click on this and enter your details. If the item does not have a "Request" button, under "other sources" choose the "classic catalogue" option on the right hand side, then click on the "request it" button. Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to type in your name and user number (the number written underneath the barcode on your Library ticket). When typing in your user number, ensure that you type in the whole number without leaving any spaces and include any final check digit or character such as X . If no request button is available, please visit the Circulation desk and ask for manual fetch card for the Offsite Store.

You will need to check that your request is awaiting collection by ringing 020 7862 8437 or emailing shl.circulation@london.ac.uk or by logging on to your account – the message will say “Ready for pick-up” if it is available.

We suggest that readers always check that items requested from the Offsite Store are ready for collection before travelling to Senate House.

Please allow 24 hours for any card catalogue orders placed via email for items in the Stack and up to 48 hours for items held at the Offsite Store.