Skip to content The Open University

Library Services

Your gateway to a wide range of online information resources

Library Services > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Disabled students support

How do I change the text size and colour of the Library website?
I am a disabled student, how do I request a postal loan?
My disability means I cannot access my local library. How do I access books and journals?
It would help me to listen to the Library website, is this possible?
My disability means I have difficulty searching the Library databases. Is any help available?
Can I navigate the Library website using a screen reader?

Finding and using books and theses

How do I search for electronic books?
What is "My List" and how do I use it?
Why can't I read the full text of this ebook?
What is my Library Barcode?
How do I renew books?
How do I reserve books?
How do I search for theses?
Where can I check my library record?

Finding and using journals

For how long before/after my module will I have access to electronic resources?
How do I find articles on a particular topic or by a particular author?
The article I want is not available/I have to pay for the article I want?
How can I get access to a particular journal article?

Finding information on your subject

What is SAFARI?
What is Open Research Online?
What is a database?
How do I find information on my subject?
Can I search several electronic resources at once? (One stop search)
How can I check whether an item is available in the library?
What is Information Skills for Researchers?
What tutorials are available to improve my information skills?

Libraries near you

What is the SCONUL Access Scheme and how do I join?
What study facilities are available at the OU's campus at Milton Keynes?
Who can join the physical library at the OU's campus at Milton Keynes?
How do I renew my SCONUL Card?
What audio-visual equipment can I borrow from the library?
What workshops /tutorials are available for me to attend in person in the Library?
What are the opening hours of the OU library building at Milton Keynes?
I live overseas, how can I access libraries near me?

Library Services for Staff

What is the Digilab and who can use it?
I am a retired member of Open University staff, can I use library resources?
How do I donate books to the library?
What is document delivery and am I eligible?
What is the Information Literacy Toolkit?
I am an AL/regional member of staff, how do I request a postal loan?
I am a Consultant and would like to access electronic resources.

MyReferences

What is MyReferences?
How can I share references in MyReferences?
Folders from one of my MyReferences accounts are appearing in my newly created account.
I have logged into RefWorks or MyReferences and the content has disappeared.
I am having problems when trying to access MyReferences
Will I still be able to access MyReferences after I have completed my module?

Passwords and technical problems

Can I have an Athens password?
I am having problems accessing a resource via Athens.
Where can I get help with Refworks Write 'n' Cite?
Error message - Attempt to authenticate to non-existent session
How do MBA alumni access eresources?
How do I access an online training session recording?
Why do I have to register with individual databases?
How do I attend a live online training session via Elluminate?

Referencing and Plagiarism

How do I reference resources to avoid plagiarism?
What help is there for organising references?
What is the Refworks group code?
I have found a web page with no author, date or publisher - how do I reference it?
The OU Harvard style has disappeared from my 'Favourites' list in Refworks. How do I get it back?
Where do I find the OU's Harvard Guide to citing references?
How can I access Refworks or Endnote?
What if I cannot find the reference type I need in the OU Harvard guide to citing references?

Study materials

Where can I get hold of study materials from other modules/ years?
How do I change MyOpenlibrary to reflect my current module?
Where can I get hold of past exam papers?
Are my study materials available in an alternative format?
Do you have a transcript of this module video?
How do I add or remove a resource from MyOpenLibrary?
How do I personalise MyOpenLibrary?
What is MyOpenLibrary?
Do I have to buy books outside of the study material I'm sent?

Help and Support

Library helpdesk

Email: The Helpdesk is open seven days a week including certain Bank Holidays.

Webchat: Chat to a Librarian

Phone: +44 (0)1908 659001 for help, information and advice on using the library

All other enquiries: Please go to the Contact Us page.

Library website on your mobile