Frequently asked questions - online resources

The first time you use Westlaw, you will be prompted to create an account with One Pass. Once you have created an account you can access Westlaw via Library Search or the Databases list and login as normal with your OUCU and password.

Please note that the Safari browser may ask you for a registration key when you try to create a One pass account. Please try opening Westlaw UK in Google Chrome instead.If you still encounter a warning relating to no valid registration keys please contact the Library helpdesk.

If you are an OU student or an Associate Lecturer contact the OU Computing Helpdesk at +44 (0) 1908 653972. You can also use the web form in the Computing Guide.

For all other staff and postgraduate research students, contact the IT Helpdesk at +44 (0) 1908 654321. You can also use the AskIT self-service system.

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To access resources that the Open University subscribes to through the online library, all you need is your Open University computer username (OUCU) and password. You don’t need to create a separate OpenAthens login unless you want to access material that the Open University does not subscribe to.

If an OpenAthens page appears asking you to log in with an OpenAthens username and password:

1. Ignore the 'Sign in with an OpenAthens account' option and choose 'Find your institution'.
2. Enter 'Open University' into the 'Type the name of your institution' box and select the search icon (a magnifying glass).
3. The search will return a '3 institutions found' message and display three links. Select the 'Open University' link.
4. A 'Sign into the OU website' page may now appear. Log in using your Open University computer username and password.

Follow these steps to see if you can access it through your Open University login. 

1. Go to Library Search and Login 
2. Check you are logged in correctly, and search for the article. Your name should appear in the top right corner if you are logged in. 
3. If the article is found, follow the links presented.

Please contact the Library’s Helpdesk if you think your login doesn’t grant you access to Library Search and our resources but allows you access to other OU websites.

You can use a Library tool we have developed to add a bookmarklet to your browser favourites bar. This will allow you to access content directly without having to login everytime you visit academic articles, journals and databases licensed by The Open University Library.

Please ensure you’re signed in. On the top right corner, ensure your name is displayed. If it says “Sign in”, please click on this and you’ll be prompted to log in.

Sometimes an article you have found in Library Search may not take you to its full-text. It may be taking you to the journal homepage or even give you an error message. If this happens, there are a couple of ways to check if you can access it. 

1. Try searching for the article title in the search field of the journal homepage. 
2. Search for the Journal title via the Journal Search tab above the search box in Library Search. Ensure that the available dates cover the issue of the article you’re trying to access. (The dates can be found under the View Online section)
3. When you are on the publisher's platform, navigate to the particular volume/issue number and search for the page number(s) or title of the article.
4. If you still can’t find or access the article, please contact the library helpdesk.