Document delivery is a service that allows you to get hold of books, articles, theses and other document items that the University does not have in any of its library collections.

Submit your request via LibrarySearch: before you submit your request, please check LibrarySearch to make sure the item isn't already available at Kent.

Journal articles or book chapters are usually available digitally and we will deliver this to your university email address. 

This is rapid request service and we aim to deliver this within 48 hours of requesting.

Please be mindful that the Library follows copyright guidelines. All requests should be for personal use only and you should not request more than 10% or more than one chapter of a book or one article from the same issue of a journal.

Some material is available as physical items that will be sent to the Templeman Library. 

Most items will be delivered within a week, but some items can take 2-3 weeks to arrive, so plan ahead if you can.

You will receive an email when your requested item has arrived with further information on where to collect it.

There are different conditions for loaning document delivery items. Some can be borrowed using your Library account, others are for reference use only. We will let you know about the loan conditions of your request via email on arrival.

Lost or damaged items

If an item you have borrowed is lost, damaged, or not returned, the lending institution will levy a charge, which we are obliged to pass on to you. This may include replacement costs and administration fees.

Staff and postgraduates can request up to 12 items per academic year. If you make any additional requests, we will ask your academic librarian for approval or advice on alternative options.

Undergraduates can request up to 3 items per academic year, except:

• undergraduates in Psychology: your academic schools do not fund document delivery ‘book requests’ for undergraduates.
• undergraduates in the Kent Law School: KLS will only fund your book request if you are undertaking a dissertation.

If you make any additional requests, we will ask your academic librarian for approval or advice on alternative options.

If you'd prefer to visit other libraries yourself, here's how to join the British Library or use the SCONUL Access scheme to visit other higher education libraries.

Find out all the ways you can get in touch: