Research Guides
Scandinavian Studies: Books & Ebooks
Finding Nordic Books in UW Libraries Search
Tens of thousands of books and ebooks from and about the Nordic countries are held by the University Libraries at the University of Washington. When searching for books, start with UW Libraries Search to find Nordic books held by UW as well as dozens of other academic libraries in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho sharing the Summit catalog. Loanable books from UW and other Summit libraries can be requested directly from the catalog by logging in and using the available request button.
Some tips for identifying Nordic materials in UW Libraries Search:
- Use geographic terms (Scandinavia - Sweden - Faroe Islands) or demonyms (Scandinavian - Swedish - Faroese).
- UW books are cataloged in English. The vocabulary in subject fields with be in English, regardless of the language of the material.
- Keyword searches can be in any language.
- Filter your results by language to identify materials in particular languages.'
- Use AE or Æ for Æ; use O or Ø for Ø; use Å or A for Å. Diacritics may be disregarded.
Searching in Other Libraries
When a book is not available from UW or Summit, you can still request a copy from other libraries using our interlibrary loan service. You can request items online from libraries internationally, either locating them in the UW WorldCat catalog and using the request button, or by manually completing the interlibrary loan request form.
WorldCat
Use WorldCat to search thousands of libraries worldwide. Easily request books by interlibrary loan from other libraries regionally, nationally, or globally using the request button for available items.
- WorldCat This link opens in a new windowSearch the holdings of over 10,000 libraries worldwide. Use this search to find books and other materials not available in UW and Summit Libraries. Use Interlibrary Loan to request items not owned by UW Libraries or its borrowing partners.
- FirstSearch This link opens in a new window
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The most powerful interface for searching WorldCat, including more detailed records; often used by library staff and expert searchers. Find books and other materials not available in UW and Summit Libraries; use Interlibrary Loan to request those items.
Nordic Library Catalogs
Only a sampling of major Nordic libraries are included in WorldCat. If you are looking for an international title and cannot locate it using WorldCat, try searching libraries in the country of origin. Libraries in the Nordic countries have the most comprehensive collections and indexes of materials published in those countries.
- Nordic Libraries & ArchivesPage on this guide providing links and information including library resources in the Nordic countries
Interlibrary Loan Requesting
Once you have verified the citation information, request any desired items using our interlibrary loan borrowing service. Fill out the interlibrary loan (ILL) request form. Use the request feature in WorldCat to auto-fill the ILL form with information from the item's catalog record, or fill out the form manually.
- Your ILL AccountTo request a book, login to your ILL account and select "Request a book/item" under New Requests in the left menu
- Summit and Interlibrary Loan BorrowingIncludes FAQ and more information on ILL borrowing
Books and Ebooks FAQ
- Borrowing & AccessFull borrowing and access information for all library users at the University of Washington
More Services
- Suggest an Item for Purchase
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The UW Libraries welcomes suggestions from UW faculty, students, and staff for materials which support teaching, study, and research by its primary users. Requests are referred to the appropriate subject librarian for review.