To contact your Librarian by telephone, Skype, email see the 'Online Librarian' tab above.
Also see the Library's LibAnwers (FAQs for Online Programmes) and 'Quick Start for New Students'
The following support services are available for online students and staff (see above tabs) -
Activating your UoL (MWS) login to use the Library
When you begin studies, you must activate your network login at https://register.liv.ac.uk/
When should I Activate my UoL Login?
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/
Entering your activation details
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.
Noting your login details
Please note you are not sent an email confirming your login details, please note these details at the point of activation.
When is my UoL Login active?
Your login should become active within a few minutes following activation.
Secret Question
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.
Setting your Password
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.
Changing your Password
If you wish to change your password at any time, please see our password reset tools.
University Email
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
Login Help
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.
Forgotten Password
You can reset your password - note, this tool requires you provided an alternative e-mail address when you activated your login.
Activating UoL (MWS) login for Library access (and other services)
You are emailed an invitation to activate your MWS login when you begin taught modules (http://register.liv.ac.uk) see activation help
Login Advice
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 DISCOVER, database links/search boxes, Library catalogue, A-Z etc. to access your required database, journal or resource.
See Technical FAQ.
Contact 24/7 IT Service Desk:
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.
Ongoing Access Problems
if you have ongoing difficulties after contacting IT Service Desk, please contact your Librarian as soon as possible for assistance.
Tools to manage your campus (MWS) login:
Connectivity Problems - particularly N/E Africa, SE Asia/ mainland China, Russian Federation, Zimbabwe, Mid East, UAE (United Arab Emirates)
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.
University Email
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.
Ask Us is our 24/7 enquiry desk.
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:
Telephone or Skype for Enquiries (typically available 9-5 GMT/BST):
Schedule a consulation by Telephone, Skype or Microsoft Teams:
Other ways to keep informed/ in touch:
You can book a Library consultation 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 -
You can specify Skype or Microsoft Teams for voice or video calling (this is also useful for demonstrations via screen sharing), you can schedule a consultation by telephone but this is not recommended for longer or details sessions/ demonstrations. When scheduling a session please provide your own Skype or Teams address/user details on the form.
Network problems/ VPN
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.
Remote access to Files, Applications and VPN (guide/ tutorial)
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.
Webinars and Online Training are available for a range of Library platforms and related support.
To see online guides for specialist databases, browse to the indivifual database/ platform where you require online guides or live training/ support (see the A-Z of databases or see the journals page), then navigate to the Help, Support or similar area on that site.
Most licensed databases will provide an online guides, video, interactive tutorials, live/ bookable training or Webinars or direct contact options for specialist support.
Please contact your Librarian if you have any difficulties accessing these services or for additional support using individual databases.
Webinars, direct database support/ consultations and bookable online training/ Webinars are available at the following databases:
