Ways to access literature

Literature databases only provide direct access to full text when published Open Access, or with a UT subscription. If no access to content is possible, try the options presented below.

  • Check off-campus access

    Before you start looking for alternative ways to find a research output you can't access, always check if the database or publisher website recognizes you as University of Twente staff/student. To make sure this is the case consult Off-campus access.

  • Get the PDF

    See here for a list of plug-ins and other alternatives to get access to literature, created by the Association of Universities of the Netherlands (UNL).

  • Request a copy via the author

    You can request a copy of a research output from the author directly. This is often not the fastest way, but traditionally a well-used route to get pdf's. You can create a free account on for example ResearchGateAcademiaMendeley or the research repository of a university and try to get in contact with the corresponding author of a work. It is also an option to contact the author directly through the contact information provided with that work. Most publishers allow sharing research outputs with individuals for personal use. This means that you cannot use it to share it with a group of researchers or students.  

  • Request a copy via Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

    Using the ILL form, UT staff and students can submit a request for scientific literature (e.g. book or article). For books there will be a check if it can be borrowed from other (academic) libraries. A request is submitted to other Dutch libraries first. If the item is not available in the Netherlands, for staff the request will be sent to European libraries. For students the search is limited to libraries in the Netherlands. Please note that use of requested material is limited to private study or research for non-commercial purposes. Sharing with a group of researchers or students is therefore not allowed.

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