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/
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 now need to supply additional dual factor (Duo) authentication using an SMS code or Duo mobile app to access many UoL systems, such as Office 365 applications online, Remote Desktop Service, Citrix applications and when logging into Library E-Resources/ platforms.
Note, you should supply your UoL (MWS) username simply by typing the username (e.g. jones321 not email version/alias e.g. j.jones321@liverpool.ac.uk) when prompted in UoL systems such as the Library. However, when logging into Microsoft Office 365 online based systems such as Office 365 portal/ applications, Office 365 Outlook (if you have been switched to this version of UoL email), Yammer, SharePoint, MS Teams or other related Microsoft systems, you should supply your UoL (MWS) username in the format username@liverpool.ac.uk e.g. jones321@liverpool.ac.uk and not email version/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 DISCOVER, database links/search boxes, Library catalogue, A-Z etc. to access your required database, journal or resource.
See Technical FAQ.
Please note that you now need to supply additional dual factor (Duo) authentication using an SMS code or Duo mobile app to access many UoL systems, such as Office 365 applications online, Remote Desktop Service, Citrix applications and when logging into Library E-Resources/ platforms.
Note, you should supply your UoL (MWS) username simply by typing the username (e.g. jones321 not email version/alias e.g. j.jones321@liverpool.ac.uk) when prompted in UoL systems such as the Library. However, when logging into Microsoft Office 365 online based systems such as Office 365 portal/ applications, Office 365 Outlook (if you have been switched to this version of UoL email), Yammer, SharePoint, MS Teams or other related Microsoft systems, you should supply your UoL (MWS) username in the format username@liverpool.ac.uk e.g. jones321@liverpool.ac.uk and not email version/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 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 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 book using this group sessions form.
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 sessions or demonstrations. When scheduling a session please provide your own Skype or Teams address/user details on the form.
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.
Please see the Support area of this site for: the Library 24/7 Desk and IT Service Desk for password help.
The Online Librarian provides individual and in-depth Library support via Skype/Teams/e-mail or Tel on using the Library, using databases, referencing, using referencing software, advice for your literature review or systematic review and help connecting to Library services.
You can also schedule a consultation with the Online Librarian.
The online library provides a range of video tutorials.
KnowHow is a UoL service providing study skills, writing, statistics and EndNote referencing software seminars, the sessions require you install Microsoft Teams to connect to sessions (log into Teams with your MWS details in the format MWS username@liverpool.ac.uk. For a list of timetabled KnowHow sessions, see a little way down the campus Library homepage or training calendar.
See the Training area in the left menu, then see the Study tab for online KnowHow tutorials you can access at any time on a range of study skills, writing and statistics topics.
You can access previously recorded KnowHow Webinars/ online sessions delivered for student groups by browsing or searching for video on Microsoft Stream (log in with your MWS username@liverpool.ac.uk and MWS password to access UoL Stream video recordings), for examples see:
Reading Lists @ Liverpool - staff training is regularly provided on-campus (see RL@L site or the training calendar) you can also contact the Librarian for Online Programmes to schedule one-to-one or group-based staff training via Skype or Teams.
You can also see previous RL@L recorded sessions provided by the Library for staff, explaining how to use the platform.
Important - some features mentioned on the RL@L site, guides and recordings such as list reviews, print book stocking/ purchase and scanning are managed differently for online partnership programmes (for partnership programmes, please contact the E-Learning Librarian for advice on these functions).
Most licensed/ commercial databases provide guides, video, bookable training/ webinars or enquiry services for specialist database advice and analysis. You can also contact the Online Librarian if you have any difficulties or for additional support using individual databases.
See the following database links for analyst enquiries or bookable training/webinars:
For other databases/collections, browse to the individual database where you require guides, training or analyst support (see the Subject page or A-Z of databases), then navigate to the Help, Support or similar area on that database.
LinkedIn Learning provides a wide range of video tutorials and modules for academic support, research, technical and professional topics. See help logging into LinkedIn Learning.
Also see the Microsoft Learn platform (you can log in using your UoL login in the format username@liverpool.ac.uk) to complete certificates on a range of technical and information communications topics.
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.
