Students

Online Library resources

As an OU student you have access to a world-class collection of online resources.

These high quality and trusted online resources support you when researching and writing your assignments and include resources such as:

• over 80,000 academic journals
• UK and international newspapers
• over 500,000 academic books

If you would like to know a little more about how these resources work and how to use them why not have a look at the Getting started with the online library section?

Improving your skills

Our aim is to help you study successfully and to develop skills valued by employers. Information literacy is about developing your skills in finding, evaluating, using and managing information.

If you are new to using the online library or would like to find out how to get the most from the online resources you will find a number of guides and online training sessions to support you.

• Finding information for your assignment will take you through the key steps in finding, using and evaluating information
• We provide a range of online training sessions. You can attend a live session or listen to a recording at a time to suit you. Topics covered include an introduction to Library Services and finding information for your assignment
• The series of short 'How do I..' guides give you practical, step-by-step guidance about a range of topics
• Being digital is a collection of short, easy-to-follow activities on finding, using and creating information online

Advice and guidance

If you would like advice about where to find library resources or how to use them have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) which provide clear answers to the most commonly asked questions or our other help and support pages.

Library Helpdesk staff are also available seven days a week to support you and can be contacted by phone, email or webchat.

Disabled students support

We offer a range of services for disabled students including supported literature searching and providing resources in more accessible formats.

Libraries near you

There are a number of ways to get access to print resources:

• Students in the UK and Republic of Ireland who are studying modules of 30 points or more can join the Sconul Access Scheme which allows you to use a local university library.
• Students who live near Milton Keynes can use the OU Library on the Walton Hall campus. You will need to join the library if you wish to borrow books from here.
• OU set books and study materials are available from a number of suppliers.