Accessing resources

Where you see or hear details about off-campus access and authentication for library resources, it is usually referring to the steps required to ‘Login’ to the resource (article, e-journal, ebook, etc.).

However, the login steps often vary slightly for each publisher or provider. At the library, we try to make each login as similar as possible, and below is a general guide to some of the more common login steps required: 

1. Check that Keele University Library has access to the relevant article, ejournal, or ebook via Library Search or reading list, etc. *If you sign into Library Search, it will make the e-journal login even easier.
   
   
   
   
2. Choose one of the full-text options; if the article is available from more than one provider, you will be offered a choice.
3. When accessing the article via Library Search, you’ll only have to login once using your Keele login (or not at all if you are already signed into Library Search).
   
4. However, sometimes you will be taken directly to the journal article page and need to sign-in using the journal login link. This can vary, but in general, click on ‘Login/Sign-in’ and always choose ‘Institutional’ or ‘Shibboleth’ login. Ignore generic password boxes and don't choose ‘OpenAthens’ – example below:
    
   
   
5. If required, select: UK Federation/Higher Education from the options provided.
6. Then select: Keele University or University of Keele.
7. You should now be presented with the standard Keele login box. Login and look for the pdf icon or full-text link to access the article.
8. Still not working? Send details of the article you're trying to access to library.eresources@keele.ac.uk – if you can include details of the article, a screenshot of the error and url/address bar, and a description of the problems you had, it'll help us to resolve any problem quickly.

Tip: If you have a Keele University username and password but also have an NHS login, or a login for another instutition such as Harper Adams University, make sure you access online resources for one institution (such as Keele University) in a normal internet browser window and the other institution (such as the NHS) resources in an incognito or private browser window, so that the logins don't conflict and prevent access.

To use an incognito/private browser window in Google Chrome - 

• In Google Chrome, at the top right, click the three dots to show additional menu options, then select 'New incognito window' (keyboard shortcut = Ctrl+Shift+N)
• A new window should open
• Check the top right corner for the Incognito icon to confirm you're using an incognito window

To use an incognito/private browser window in Safari - 

• In Safari, at the top left, click 'File' then 'New private window' (keyboard shortcut = Shift + ⌘ + N)
• A new window should open
• To confirm you are using a private window, the top menu bar should appear a darker grey than a normal browser window.

NHS online resources
If your course features clinical work in the NHS, you are also eligible to access the NHS core national content collection. This includes a range of healthcare databases such as EMBASE, electronic journals and BMJ Best Practice and the discovery service Knowledge and Library Hub (which replaces Healthcare Databases Advance Search- HDAS). (Please note - you will need to access these resources using an incognito window)

You will need an HEI NHS OpenAthens account to access these resources. Request this from: library.eresources@keele.ac.uk

Log in to the platform you need using your HEI NHS OpenAthens account (e.g. OVID for EMBASE), then select the database to start searching. When prompted for an Institution, select NHS in England. 
https://www.keele.ac.uk/healthlibrary/find/nhsresources/

e-Learning for Healthcare (eLfH)
Healthcare students may be asked to complete online training via the e-Learning for Healthcare hub. For access to e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH), please register for an account with your Keele email address.

NHS OpenAthens accounts are provided via the Health Library and are only available to NHS staff. See the NHS OpenAthens for further details.

Who can use Library eresources?

The Library provides access for Authorised Users to eresources (electronic/digital/online resources such as journals, books, and databases) licensed by the University for non-commercial use.

Authorised Users are responsible for ensuring that their use of these resources complies with the licence terms and conditions.

Who is an Authorised User?

Authorised Users are current staff and students of Keele University, who are permitted to access the campus network and have been issued with a Keele University IT account with permission to access Library resources via Keele Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication.

Full access to our licensed eresources is generally not permitted for the following categories:

• Staff of other UK or non-UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
• Staff of Keele Business Partners, tenants at Keele University Science and Innovation Park, and corporate partners
• School/College visitors
• NHS Trust Staff (unless also holding a formal contract with the University or teaching our current students)
• Staff of University affiliated institutions (unless also holding a formal contract with the University or teaching our current students)
• Students at other UK or non-UK HEIs
• Unregistered students on non-credit-bearing courses
• SCONUL Access members
• External library users

Non-commercial use only

Please note that all agreements for our licensed e-resources cover non-commercial use only, which means that the e-resources should only be used for private study and research, and should not be used for any commercial gain.