Library eResources stands for Library Electronic Resources. This term refers to the eBooks, eJournals and electronic databases within the Library's collections. On this page we outline common questions and problems that staff and students encounter when using Library eResources; provide basic troubleshooting suggestions; and give advice on who to contact if you need more help.
This is a very general guide. Please also look at our other LibGuides for more detailed information on using Library resources.
The most common problems that people encounter when using eResources are being asked to sign in or pay for access to content; and seeing an error message of some kind.
The Library does not have access to everything. If you are being prompted to pay or sign in, please search for the item in SUPrimo to make sure that our Library does have access to this content.
You may be able to sort some problems yourself by trying the steps below. However, do remember that library staff are always happy to help, and if you find any problems with our eResources we want you to let us know. (See section on this page on 'Contacting the Library for Help'.)
*steps to check/update your browser version and clear your browser cache vary depending on the browser you are using. You can find steps for your browser by searching on the internet, but if you require help please ask the library.
eResources which have been paid for by the Library are only available to University of Strathclyde members.
You will often need to sign in (authenticate) as a Strathclyde user to access this content. Most LLibrary eResources require you to sign in using your University of Strathclyde email address and password with multifactor authentication (MFA) - particularly from off-campus. Some eResources have different steps to sign in. You should follow any instructions on our eResource records in SUPrimo, Reading Lists, LibGuides, A-Z etc.
If you don't think you are signed in on an eResource, look for options saying ‘Institutional', 'Shibboleth' or 'Federated' sign-in. You may need to select your institution (University of Strathclyde) and possibly your 'Federation group' (UK Federation / UK Access Management Federation) before entering your University credentials/MFA.
After you have signed in to one Library system or eResource, the authentication might carry over to other sites; but for other eResources you will be prompted to sign in again. For security reasons, eResources will often sign you out after a period of browser inactivity.
Once you have signed in on an eResource platform, you will only be able to access full text content that is accessible to University of Strathclyde. On many eResource platforms there will also be content that Strathclyde do not have access to. Check SUPrimo to see if we should have access to content. Some eResources in the Library’s collection are freely available or Open Access and can be accessed by any individual with no need to log-in.
Top Tips
If you require help using any of our library electronic resources, or come across any access, downtime or technical issues with our eResources which are not listed on the eResources Status page, please let us know at the Library Enquiry Desk.
The more information you can provide when reporting an eResource problem, the more quickly library staff will be able to identify and resolve the problem. When reporting an eResource issue please tell us as much of the following as possible:
About you and your device:
About the eResource you are trying to access:
About the problem:
We have created some examples of enquiries reporting access problems, where users have provided helpful and less helpful levels of information, and illustrated why this information is helpful to us.
Please remember that all Library eResource users must comply with the eResources terms of use and with copyright law. If you need further guidance or help on copyright you can look at the Copyright and Information Governance and Compliance pages of the University website: