Accessing external electronic library resources and databases
- Accessing electronic resources
- How do I find an electronic resource?
- How do I access electronic resources when I’m on-site at the University?
- How do I access electronic resources when I’m outside the University?
- Proprietary passwords
- Help and advice
Accessing electronic resources
The Library purchases and subscribes to thousands of externally published electronic journals, electronic books and bibliographic research databases on behalf of the University’s staff and students. Most of these electronic resources are available to use both on-site and outside of the University. Due to the terms of our licence agreements access to these electronic resources is controlled by a system of authentication and this may differ depending on the publisher or service provider of the resource.
How do I find an electronic resource?
If you link to an electronic resource directly from a web search engine, for example via a Google search, you should bear in mind that the University may not necessarily subscribe to that resource, or may subscribe to it elsewhere, or may have access through a different login route. It is important to access electronic resources using the search tools and links provided by the Library, this will ensure that you are using the correct authentication system for accessing the service.
To find an appropriate electronic resource use the following tools:
- eJournals catalogue
- MetaLib: resource gateway (advice on using MetaLib)
- Library Catalogue (for some eBooks)
- Get It! buttons
or links on many databases, e.g., Google Scholar (more about Get It!)
How do I access electronic resources when I am on the University network (on-site)?
If the computer, or machine that you are using is on the University network many electronic resources can be accessed directly without the need for a username & password (login). In this scenario the network, or IP address, of your machine will be recognised, as the Library has registered University of Bristol IP addresses with many publishers and service providers.
Alternatively, on-site access to some electronic resources will require login using your UoB username and password. You will either be prompted for these details directly, or the website will provide an ‘institutional’, or ‘alternative’ login link (possibly called 'UK Federation' or 'Shibboleth'). An ATHENS login link may display alongside the institutional login route: University of Bristol members must use the institutional route.
How do I access electronic resources when I’m outside the University?
A growing number of electronic resources will allow you to login using your University of Bristol username and password. You will either be prompted for these details directly or the website will provide an ‘institutional’, or ‘alternative login' link, (possibly called 'UK Federation' or 'Shibboleth'). An ATHENS login link may display alongside the institutional login route: University of Bristol members must use the institutional route. Please be aware the University of Bristol is found under the letter "U" in the list of UK institutions.
Alternatively, or when institutional login is not available, if the computer or machine that you are using is not on the University network you may use one of two options that makes it possible to gain network access from off-site:
- The Student Remote Desktop service that can be accessed most easily through the University Portal, MyBristol
- The Off-site Proxy service - where you will need to perform a short, one-off, set-up operation on your computer. Full instructions are available on the Off-site Proxy page. Please be aware that you will need administrative rights on your computer to set up the Off-site Proxy service and would advise you to speak to your local IT support about this. Information on issues affecting the off-site proxy from corporate / institutional networks is also available.
If you wish to check that your machine is on the University network, or connected via the Off-site Proxy service you can visit the test page.
Proprietary passwords
In a minority of cases, some electronic resources will need a different, individual password. A list of these resources and the related proprietary passwords (UoB access only) is available.
Help and advice
For help and advice with gaining access to electronic resources please see our help and contacts for eResources page.
Medical students should be aware that the Clinical Academies provide support and access and students may like to ask the appropriate contact for advice.