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Frequently Asked Questions

Disabled students support

Are my study materials available in an alternative format?
Do you have a transcript of this module video?
How do I change the text size and colour of the Library website?
My disability means I have difficulty searching the Library databases. Is any help available?
Can I navigate the Library website using a screen reader?
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?

Finding and using books and theses

For how long before/after my module will I have access to online library resources?
How do I search for ebooks?
What is "My List" and how do I use it?
How do I search for theses?
Why can't I read the full text of this ebook?
How can I check whether an item is available in the library?
How do I reserve books?
What is my Library Barcode?
How do I renew books?
Where can I check my library record?

Finding and using journals

For how long before/after my module will I have access to online library 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?
Access eresources using Scirus

Finding information on your subject

For how long before/after my module will I have access to online library resources?
Where can I get hold of past exam papers?
How do I find articles on a particular topic or by a particular author?
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?
Why do I have to register with individual databases?

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?
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?
My disability means I cannot access my local library. How do I access books and journals?
How do I renew my SCONUL Card?
What audio-visual equipment can I borrow from the library?

Library Services for Staff

What is the Digilab and who can use it?
What is document delivery and am I eligible?
What is the Information Literacy Toolkit?
I have logged into RefWorks or MyReferences and the content has disappeared.
I am a Consultant and would like to access electronic resources.
I am a retired member of Open University staff, can I use library resources?
How do I donate books to the library?
Folders from one of my MyReferences accounts are appearing in my newly created account.
I am an AL/regional member of staff, how do I request a postal loan?

MyReferences

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

Passwords and technical problems

For how long before/after my module will I have access to online library resources?
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?
How do MBA alumni access eresources?
Error message - Attempt to authenticate to non-existent session
How do I attend a live online training session via Elluminate?
How do I access an online training session recording?
Why do I have to register with individual databases?

Referencing and Plagiarism

How do I reference resources to avoid plagiarism?
Where can I get help with Refworks Write 'n' Cite?
What is MyReferences?
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?
How can I access Refworks or Endnote?
What help is there for organising references?
Where do I find the OU's Harvard Guide to citing references?
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?
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?
Do you have a transcript of this module video?

Help and Support

Library helpdesk

Webchat: Chat to a Librarian

Email: Library Helpdesk

Phone: +44 (0)1908 659001

Contact the helpdesk seven days a week for help, information and advice on using the library.

All other enquiries: Contact Us

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