Electronic Library
Access our collections of high quality electronic resources online.
- Use the main search engine ‘Discover’ to search across many databases and materials
- Browse or search journal titles with E-journals or Browzine
- Access individual databases via Databases
Suggest an E-Book Purchase
Use the Purchase Request Form to suggest an E-Book purchase.
Select ‘E-Book’ from the ‘Format’ dropdown.
In the ‘Other details’ box note that you are a Distance Learner and that only an E-Book is suitable.
Postal Loans
Postal loans are available for Distance Learners with UK addresses only (including Northern Ireland).
Borrowing Books
You may borrow up to five books at once. They will be loaned to you for two weeks and will automatically renew unless requested by another borrower. You are responsible for posting back the books to us.
Photocopies
Request a photocopy of a print journal article or book chapter within our collections using Contact us. Copyright permitting, this will be photocopied and posted to you.
Academic Achievement Resources
The Academic Achievement Team offer advice on developing the academic skills you need to do well in your assignments. Find out when our classes, drop-ins and appointments are on in the Academic Achievement Calendar. Online appointments are available.
The team also provide many self-study resources including various targeted Canvas courses.
Individual help from your Librarian
A team of Librarians support the different subjects taught across LJMU.
All subjects have a Librarian who can provide help and guidance on developing your Searching and referencing skills.
Contact your librarian directly or Contact the Library with brief details of your enquiry.
Subject Resources - Subject Guides
Access Subject Guides which include a list of key online databases for your subject.
LJMU IT resources
The LJMU Virtual Desktop provides access to a variety of applications via your own browser. It is a virtual version of the LJMU student desktop on campus.
Find out more information on how to access LJMU IT resources from your own device.
Office 365 and Home-use software
You may install copies of Microsoft Office 365 programmes on up to five devices. 1TB of storage space on Microsoft OneDrive is included.
Other home-use software includes NVivo and SPSS data-analysis tools and more.
EndNote Reference Management Software
Use EndNote to create a personal library of references, and to insert citations and reference lists into your work as you write.
LJMU students may download the full EndNote Desktop programme to use on their own Windows and Mac computers.
Download EndNote (Harvard LJMU style file is available)
Further information is found on the EndNote Youtube Channel
Online Surveys
To request access to an account for this excellent survey tool use link opposite. Select ‘IT Services', 'General Request Forms’, then ‘Online Survey Account’, and ‘Submit’ in final screen. Notification is by your LJMU email account.
Inter-library loan service for Distance Learners
If you need a book chapter or journal article that is not available through LJMU Libraries you may use the Inter-library loan service for Distance Learners to make an Inter-library loan request.
Your request will often be supplied electronically but sometimes a print copy is posted to your home instead.
Please note
Complete books are not available via inter-library loan to Distance Learners.
SCONUL Access to other Higher Education libraries
The SCONUL Access Scheme is a co-operative venture between most of the Higher Education libraries in the UK and Ireland. Through the scheme all LJMU students (at the discretion of LJMU Libraries), including Distance Learners are eligible to use any other participating libraries. Full-time undergraduates will have reference only access; all other categories should have borrowing rights.
Apply for SCONUL Access
Public/Visitor Walk-in access to books and computers at other university libraries
UK Universities usually offer public walk-in access to:
- Use books for reference only
- Use computers including use of selected electronic resources such as e-journals and databases
- Photocopying and printing
You are advised to contact your chosen library before visiting. Some form of identification is usually required.
External Membership at other university libraries
University libraries may have an external membership scheme where you can pay to borrow from their collections.
