- Request a scan of a library book chapter or journal article
- How to request a scan
- What can I request?
- When will I receive my scan?
- Who can use request a scan?
- Can I share my scan?
- Why can't I see the request a scan option?
- Why has my scan request been rejected?
- I deleted the email or scan. Can I get it again?
- What else can I do if I can't get a scan?
- Get help
Request a scan of a library book chapter or journal article
You can request a scanned chapter from a print book or an article from a print journal held by the University library.
The scan must be for your own private study or non-commercial research and is subject to copyright restrictions.
How to request a scan
- Go to Library Search or find the resource through your course reading list in Canvas.
- Log in to Library Search using your University username and password.
- Find the book or journal you need.
- If we hold a physical copy, select Request chapter/article scan.
- Enter the details of the chapter or article you need and confirm that you have read the copyright declaration.
- Submit your request.
For a book chapter, provide the chapter name or number and your Herts username.
For a journal article, provide the article title and date.
Give as much information as possible to help Library staff identify the material you need.
You can also watch the step-by-step video.
What can I request?
You can request a scan from:
- a print book held by the University library
- a print journal held by the University library.
You can request:
- one chapter from a book
- one article from a journal issue.
You can have up to five scan requests in progress at the same time.
When will I receive my scan?
Library staff aim to produce scans and email them to you as quickly as possible during working hours.
If your request is approved, you will receive an email from libraryscanrequest@herts.ac.uk containing a link to your scan. Check your spam folder if you cannot find the email.
You will need to sign in to Microsoft 365 using your username@herts.ac.uk and password to access the file.
Your scan will also appear in:
OneDrive > Shared > Shared with you
The scan will be available for 30 days.
If your request is rejected, you will receive an email from libraryaccount@herts.ac.uk explaining why.
You can also check the progress of your request through your library account.
Who can use request a scan?
The service is primarily for Herts students.
Staff can also request scans for private study and non-commercial research.
If you are an academic member of staff and need material for teaching, contact your Academic Liaison Librarian, as different copyright restrictions apply.
Can I share my scan?
No. Your scan is for your personal and private study only.
Sharing it with someone else would breach copyright restrictions.
Why can't I see the request a scan option?
The option will only be available where the Library holds a physical copy of the item.
If loan copies are available and you can visit an LRC, you may find it quicker to borrow the book or reserve a copy.
You can still request a scan where a physical copy is available in the LRC.
Why has my scan request been rejected?
Your request may be rejected because:
- it exceeds copyright limits under fair dealing rules
- you have already requested another chapter from the same book and the additional request would exceed copyright limits
- there is not enough information to identify the material
- you have already requested the same chapter or article
- the same material has already been requested by other borrowers
- the physical copy cannot be found on the library shelf.
Where material has been requested by several people, Library staff may investigate other ways of providing access and, where possible, add a digitised copy to a module reading list.
I deleted the email or scan. Can I get it again?
A replacement copy will not be sent.
Check:
OneDrive > Shared > Shared with you
Anything shared with you should also appear there.
Find out more about saving and accessing files in OneDrive.
What else can I do if I can't get a scan?
You can:
- check Library Search or your Canvas reading list for an ebook or electronic journal version
- visit the LRC to borrow the book or use a reference-only item
- request an inter-library loan
- suggest a book or ebook for purchase.
Get help
For technical problems, contact the Library and Computing Services Helpdesk.
For questions or feedback about Request a Scan, email books@herts.ac.uk.