Access Library resources
Get the resources you need, wherever you are.
You can access Library resources both on and off campus. The best way to get access depends on whether the material is available online or only in print.
Being on campus, connected to eduroam or using the University VPN does not always give you automatic access to online Library resources. You may still be asked to sign in or, in some cases, see a request for payment.
Follow the steps below to make sure you are accessing online resources through the University and getting the access you are entitled to.
Access online resources
Articles, eBooks, databases and more
Find the resource you need
Use Library Search to find articles, books, eBooks and other resources, or browse our databases if you know which database you need.
Use Library Search
Browse Databases A–Z
Sign in with your University account
This helps the publisher recognise you as a University of Glasgow user.
Follow the access link
Follow the link from Library Search or the databases list to access the resource.
Remember: start from the Library website
This helps ensure you see the content available to you through the University. The most common access issues are listed below.
Access material not available online
Find print copies or request material you need
Having problems accessing online resources?
I'm being asked to pay
If you are trying to log into a resource you have found using a search engine and you are off-campus, your login details may not be recognised even if the library subscribes to the resource.
Use Library Search to check for resources you wish to access, as it provides the correct links for logging in to e-resources.
I’m being asked to log in, but my University details don’t work
Going directly to a publisher or supplier website may mean you are asked for a username and password that is not your University account.
Where possible, start from Library Search and follow the access links provided there.
If you are already on a publisher's website, look for an option such as Institutional Login, UK Federation, Shibboleth or Sign in through your institution. You may first need to select the UK Federation, then choose University of Glasgow from the list of institutions.
You will then be taken to the University of Glasgow login page. Sign in using your University account and you should be returned to the online resource.
Library Search says we have access, but the link doesn’t work
If the link provided by the library catalogue takes you to the wrong book or journal article, or results in an error message, please get in touch.
I can access the journal, but not this article or year
When trying to access electronic journals, you may find that you are unable to access certain articles or issues. Check Library Search to find out which years the library has access to.
Sometimes there are several links with different date ranges, choose the link with the most relevant dates for your needs.
If the article you are looking for is included in the date range on the library catalogue and you are unable to access it, contact us for more help.
The eBook says unavailable or in use
Some titles have limits on how many people can use them at the same time. If you can’t access a title you will probably see a message indicating that the book is in use. If you see this then please try accessing the title again in five minutes or so. Please log out or close your browser window once you have finished, so others can access it.
I had access before, but I can’t access it now
If you’re having problems accessing an online Library resource, first try accessing it through Library Search and signing in with your University account.
If the problem continues, it may be caused by your browser, device or network rather than the resource itself.
Try the following:
- open the resource in a different browser
- try a private or incognito window
- clear your browser cache and cookies
- temporarily disable browser extensions try another device
- try another Wi-Fi network or mobile data
If you still can’t get access, contact the Library and include the resource URL, when the problem occurred, the browser you were using, whether the problem affects the whole resource or just one item.
I’m signed in, but I still don’t have access
If you’re signed in with your University account but still can’t access a resource, it may be because the University does not subscribe to that content. In some cases we may have access to a journal or database, but not every year, volume, article or section within it.
Access can also depend on your University status or membership type. Some licences only allow certain groups of users to access a resource remotely. Check the item in Library Search to see what access is available. If Library Search shows that you should have access but you still can’t open the resource, contact us for help.