You can have books from other CUNY libraries sent to the Graduate Center. From the library catalog, click the 'Request' link. CLICS can only be used for books. If you need photocopies of an article or book chapter submit an interlibrary loan request.

Have questions? Check out the CLICS FAQs.

Make a Request

• Locate materials in OneSearch using the All CUNY search scope.
• You must be logged in to your OneSearch account to place requests.
• When you are logged in, click on the library name to see request options

1. Sign in to your OneSearch account by clicking in the yellow banner and entering your CUNY login information:

   

2. After logging in, clicking on the library name will cause the REQUEST button to appear above the location list:

   

3. Click Request this library's copy. You will be prompted to select a pickup location and may send ADA accommodation information to the lending library in advance of your visit.

   

4. You will receive an email when your book is available for pick-up.

When should you use CLICS and when should you use Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Use CLICS for:

• Books that are available at other CUNY libraries

Use ILL for:

• Any book, including books owned by other CUNY libraries
• Journal articles not available at the Graduate Center Library
• A/V materials such as DVDs and CDs
• Book chapters

For more information about interlibary loan or to make an ILL request, visit the ILL Login page.

How long will it take?
Most requests (for books not already checked out by another patron) are delivered in about a week.  Some requests take 5 days or fewer; some take more than a week. NYC traffic, CUNY library systems problems, and library staffing all affect delivery time.

What if something I requested can’t be found?
You will receive email that your request can’t be filled. You may request it again from another CUNY library, or from Interlibrary Loan (ILL). If you have waited more than a week for your request, contact either the CUNY lending library or your home CUNY library circulation desk.

Which materials may not be requested via CLICS? Queens College, Brooklyn College, and City College will not loan music scores through CLICS. Borrow and return scores in person to these CUNY libraries. Loan of CDs, DVDs, and VHS through CLICS is governed by individual CUNY library policy. Libraries receiving CLICS requests for any non-circulating material will cancel a CLICS request prompting an email notification to the requestor. Graduate Center users may make Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests for any item, whether or not it is available via CLICS.

What if no CUNY copies are available?
You can request to be next in line for a CUNY book that is currently checked out to another user.  Also, Graduate Center users may use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request any item, whether or not it is available at another CUNY library.

What if I want to get the book before somebody else gets it?
To get a book right away, go get it yourself. If you take it to the circulation desk, you will be able to borrow even if there are hold requests on it. Others may then place holds on the book after you check it out, interrupting your ability to renew the book. If a book is requested for reserve, individuals may not borrow it until it is placed on reserve.

What if I want a particular copy from a certain CUNY library?
You can make “targeted” requests by going into a local CUNY library catalog, and using the “Request this Copy” button. You may also request specific copies with the help of library circulation desk staff. These show up in “My Account” as “Hold Requests.”

I didn’t get an email about my CLICS request!
If you don’t get an email within a few days, log in to “My Account” in the CUNY catalog. Under “Activities,” click the number next to “CLICs Requests.” You will see a list of requests ordered by number. Click the number next to the item you’re curious about in order to see that item’s status. Also, check your email address. If it is not correct, take your CUNY ID to the nearest CUNY library circulation address for an update. You may contact the lending CUNY library circulation department to prompt a search for or cancellation of your CLICS request, allowing the request to cycle to the next CUNY institution in the queue (if there is another library with a circulating copy of the item).

How do I delete a CLICS request?
Delete a CLICS request in “My Account” by clicking on the number following “CLICs Requests.” If the Delete button appears you may delete the request. If the button does not appear, the request is already in process and cannot be deleted.

Why do I get the message “No copies currently available, or there is a problem with your ID card. Please see a librarian”?

• You have already requested this book via CLICS, OR
• No copy is available for loan via CLICS because the item is on loan, on reserve, in reference, or in a non-circulating category, OR
• Your library catalog account is expired. If your CUNY registration is current, there has been a glitch in the auto-updating of your library record from CUNY Central data. Take your valid photo ID to your home CUNY library circulation desk for an update.