Tips for accessing online resources

Current students and staff of the University of Bristol can access online resources from any location worldwide. Access will usually be the same whether you are on or off-campus.

To access University of Bristol Library e-resources follow the links from the Library website or Library Search.

These links will usually take you straight to the University of Bristol Microsoft Sign-on screen where you will be prompted to enter your UoB username and password. After signing in, you will be taken straight to the e-resource you selected.

If you meet a paywall (often a closed padlock symbol) or an error screen, please try clearing your cache or changing browser. If neither of these suggestions work, please email the Metadata Team for help: e-library@bristol.ac.uk.

LibKey Nomad and LibKey.io

LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that allows you to find Library content or Open Access materials through internet browsing on websites such as Wikipedia and Google Scholar. It provides full-text access to articles and research materials in a single click. You can find out more on our LibKey Nomad page.

LibKey.io allows you to access journal articles using either the digital object identifier (DOI) or PubMed Identifier (PMID). If the article is available through the Library or via open access, you will be able to access the PDF or the article link. You can find out more on our Search by DOI or PMID page.

Additional information

Alternatively, you can sometimes access the Library's electronic resources by using a direct link or via a web search engine. Many e-resources have an institutional login option. You might need to look an 'institutional' or 'alternative login' link (often called 'UK Federation' or 'Shibboleth'). Please be aware the University of Bristol is found under the letter 'U' in the list of UK institutions.

If an 'Athens' or 'OpenAthens' login link appears, do not use it as the University does not use this service.

The Library does not subscribe to all available online resources. If you are unable access a resource, please check Library Search to see whether it is an e-resource we have access to. If it is a journal please check which date range our subscription includes: Find an ejournal.

Special usernames and passwords

Some electronic resources need unique usernames and passwords. Please see the list of resources and login details (UoB access only): Special usernames and passwords.