To contact the Librarian by telephone, Skype, email see the 'Online Librarian' tab above.
Also see the Library's LibAnwers (FAQs for Online Programmes) and IT Services 'Quick Start for New Students'
The following support services are available for online students and staff (see above tabs for details) -
When you begin studies, you must activate your network login at https://register.liv.ac.uk/
If you are working with UoL as an external staff member (e.g. with KOL or an overseas partnership) you will typically need to have registered as an honorary staff member at UoL before you can activate your MWS login, if you have ongoing difficulties please contact the online Librarian.
You should receive instructions to activate your account during your first week of study. If you have begun your studies but never received an invitation to activate your login, you can try to do so at https://register.liv.ac.uk/
You will be asked to enter your ID / card number, Date of Birth and Surname. Personal details must be supplied in same format you supplied at registration for your programme, please see your registration correspondence, learning environment or student portal to check the exact spelling or other special appearance of your family/ second name as supplied when you registered for your programme.
Please note you are not sent an email confirming your login details, please note these details at the point of activation.
Your login should become active within a few minutes following activation.
When you activate your login you will also set a "Secret Question" please note this as you may be asked about your Secret Question in correspondence with IT Helpdesk.
When you set your password please note this must be at least 8 characters long, it must contain at least one numeric digit and cannot contain any words found in an English Dictionary.
Online students are recommended to log into the Library for Online Programmes at https://libguides.liverpool.ac.uk/online
Note you can also access the University Library Homepage https://liverpool.ac.uk/library this is configured for shelf collections (physical resources held in campus Libraries) and other resources which may not be in electronic format, you should only see electronic/ full text resources when using search options/links shown in the Library for Online Programmes.
If you wish to change your password at any time, please see our password reset tools.
You can access your University email using your University login, you can see links to University email when logging into the University of Liverpool Student Portal or by visiting https://webmail.liv.ac.uk for help using University email please see https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/csd/email
For problems activating your login, forgotten passwords and other technical problems, please contact IT Helpdesk. Please note - there is no expiry on the University password, also note you can only activate one login at UoL.
Please note that you need to supply additional dual factor (Duo) authentication using an SMS code using a mobile phone, or sign into Duo (or use an offline Passcode) using the Duo mobile app (on any android, Apple or other device). Duo is required to access UoL online systems, such as Office 365 online, Remote Desktop Services, or when logging into Library.
You will need to enrol your mobile device with the IT Services Duo Web portal.
For guides on using Duo see the IT Services page: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/it/security/two-factor/
Also see this guide for the full range of options to authenticate using Duo: What devices and options are available to use with Duo two-factor authentication?
Note, when logging into the Library you should supply your UoL (MWS) username simply by typing your username (e.g. jones321) not an email version nor an email alias such as j.jones321@liverpool.ac.uk.
However, when logging into Microsoft Office 365 applications such as Outlook, Yammer, SharePoint, MS Teams or other Microsoft platforms, you should supply your UoL (MWS) username in the format username@liverpool.ac.uk e.g. jones321@liverpool.ac.uk and not your email alias e.g. j.jones321@liverpool.ac.uk
You can reset your password - note, this tool requires you provided an alternative e-mail address when you activated your login.
You are emailed an invitation to activate your MWS login when you begin taught modules (http://register.liv.ac.uk) see activation help
You cannot log into the Library using email addresses, use your MWS username e.g. oljonesjl
You cannot typically log into individual databases or commercial journals using their own/ in-built login form. Please log into the Library, then use tools such as database links/search boxes, Library catalogue, A-Z etc. to access your required database, journal or resource.
See Technical FAQ.
Please note that you need to supply additional dual factor (Duo) authentication using an SMS code using a mobile phone, or sign into Duo (or use an offline Passcode) using the Duo mobile app (on any android, Apple or other device). Duo is required to access UoL online systems, such as Office 365 online, Remote Desktop Services, or when logging into Library.
You will need to enrol your mobile device with the IT Services Duo Web portal.
For guides on using Duo see the IT Services page: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/it/security/two-factor/
Also see this guide for the full range of options to authenticate using Duo: What devices and options are available to use with Duo two-factor authentication?
Note, when logging into the Library you should supply your UoL (MWS) username simply by typing your username (e.g. jones321) not an email version nor an email alias such as j.jones321@liverpool.ac.uk.
However, when logging into Microsoft Office 365 applications such as Outlook, Yammer, SharePoint, MS Teams or other Microsoft platforms, you should supply your UoL (MWS) username in the format username@liverpool.ac.uk e.g. jones321@liverpool.ac.uk and not your email alias e.g. j.jones321@liverpool.ac.uk
Tel (24/7): [UK 0151] [Int +44 151] 79 44567, Chat (in normal office hours, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), see 'Live Chat' in top right of the IT portal.
Email - please use the Web Form to ensure you supply all required details (alternatively email servicedesk@liv.ac.uk).
Note - please have your student ID and optionally 'secret question' ready when contacting IT Service Desk.
If you would like to visit the IT Desk in person, see the oncampus IT Services drop-in desk locations and times available.
if you have ongoing difficulties after contacting IT Service Desk, please contact your Librarian as soon as possible for assistance.
If you experience connection difficulties - particularly if you are located in regions such as N/E Africa, SE Asia/ mainland China, Russian Federation, Zimbabwe, Mid East, UAE (United Arab Emirates) - and notice unusual behaviour such as server error messages, blank screen etc. when logging into E-Resources, please see our Technical FAQ.
Web-based email is provided for all University users. You should log into University of Liverpool email using your University (MWS) Username and Password. You can log into University email at: http://webmail.liv.ac.uk Your University email consists of your University username (or alternative Mailname if you have set this), e.g. joneshj@liverpool.ac.uk For guidance on using UoL (MWS) email see the IT Service Desk email support page.
For assistance with Laureate Education (LOE) transition issues, if you are remaining with UoL for ongoing studies please see the following guideline provided by the University: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/online-students/transition/it-systems-students/
Browse our Ask Us commonly asked questions, if the answer you require is not shown, use the Ask Us (chat, SMS, phone) enquiry service.
Also see LibAnwers (FAQs for Online Programmes)
The online Librarian, Dr Paul Catherall can provide advice or assistance on a range of issues using the Library:
You can book a Library consultation via MS Teams with the online Librarian, Dr Paul Catherall (available approx. 9am - 5pm GMT/BST) weekdays) to discuss any issues you have using the Library, or any of the topics shown below.
Staff or students can also book a planned group session, please use use the form above and specify your required group session requirements such as session topic, location if oncampus, number of atendees and other needs.
Please ensure you have installed Microsoft Teams for voice or video calling (this is also useful for demonstrations via screen sharing), you can alternatively schedule a consultation by telephone, however this is not recommended for longer sessions or demonstrations.
If you live in some world regions (see our connectivity /VPN FAQ) and have network issues - e.g. a white page, "connection reset/ refused" error, you may need to access the Library using an alternative method of connection. Note - you should ensure you consult VPN and related regulations in your region.
Note, some CSD (IT Department) systems such as the Remote Desktop service now use 'Duo' SMS based authentication, this involves registering a mobile device and inputting an SMS sent to your mobile for additional authentication.
When using freely available third party Web Browsers offering VPN, Proxies or similar applications, you should avoid transmitting any sensitive, financial or personal identifiable information as these services can process this data, or transfer data via other services. External Web Browsers are used at your own risk and are not operated by the University Library.
See Webinars and Sessions for:
The library works with the University Disability Support Team in helping support students with additional needs. Library staff aim to ensure that students with additional support requirements are able to make full use of the Library facilities. In order to take full advantage of all the Library's resources and services it is important to make yourself known to Library staff as soon as possible after starting your course, please contact the Online Librarian to discuss any Library support needs.
ClaroRead - This software assists with reading and speaks back text via your computer. It includes many easy ways to make text clearer and more visible, as well as text checking tools to aid in creating accurate documents.
Dragon Naturally Speaking - Voice recognition software that allows you to dictate documents, search the web, send emails and more using only your voice.
Jaws - Screen reading software that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by an easily refreshed Braille display.
MindGenius - A brainstorming tool that improves productivity by providing an efficient way to capture, visualise and manage information.
ZoomText - An advanced screen magnification application tailored for low-vision users that enlarges and enhances everything on the computer screen, making it easier to see and use.
Audio Notetaker - Recording software that breaks the process of taking notes into manageable stages, enabling you to focus on listening and understanding in lectures rather than scribbling or typing.
ColorVeil - ColorVeil adds a customisable colour and opacity filter over your desktop screen which can help people with Dyslexia and Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and reduce eye strain.
Dyslexie Font - With Dyslexie Font, every letter is uniquely shaped, eliminating the common reading errors of dyslexia.
MindView - MindView is a professional mind-mapping software that allows you to visually brainstorm, organise and present ideas.
