Accessing e-resources
Subscription e-resources are accessible to Kent staff and students both on and off-campus. We strongly recommend that you always follow the links on the Library website to access them.
There are three possible login scenarios:
- Most common: you will see the Kent account logon screen. Simply log in with your Kent IT account username and password.
- Sometimes you need to use another login method known as Shibboleth or Federated access (see below).
- A few resources need specific local passwords for access (Kent IT account holders only).
Frequently asked questions
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I'm not a member of the University. Can I use e-resources?
Due to licensing agreements, only members of the University can access subscription e-resources online. But visitors to the Templeman Library can access a selection of e-resources via the dedicated walk-in user PC. More information
What resources are available only via Shibboleth or Federated access?
- Archival Sound Recordings
- Census Dissemination Unit
- Census Geography Data Unit (UKBORDERS)
- Census Learning Resources
- Census Registration Services
- Digimap service
- ESDS - Economic and Social Data Services
- ESDS International
- JORUM
- MIMAS Landmap Mediterranean
- Samples of Anonymised Records (SARs)
- TTILT
- Zetoc
How does Shibboleth or Federated access work?
Shibboleth or Federated access is an alternative means of access to a few resources; some resources are only available via this method.
If you see a link for Shibboleth or Federated access:
- Select 'University of Kent' from a drop down list (you may have to pick United Kingdom as your country first).
- Then enter your Kent IT account username and password.
- Sometimes a resource will already know that you are at Kent and will omit the first step.
- Be aware that Shibboleth authenticated e-resources you find on the web will only be accessible to you if the University subscribes to the resource.
What if I find a resource via Google or other search engine?
If you find a subscription-only resource via a search engine be aware that the University may not necessarily subscribe to that resource, or may subscribe to via a different access route. You can check the A-Z of e-resources to see if we have a subscription.
If the resource supports Shibboleth you may be able to choose 'University of Kent' from the drop-down list of institutions and login using your Kent IT account details. Your safest bet is always to use the links on the Library website to access e-resources.
If the resource supports Shibboleth you may be able to choose 'University of Kent' from the drop-down list of institutions and login using your Kent IT account details. Your safest bet is always to use the links on the Library website to access e-resources.
What about the Athens authentication method?
The Athens Authentication system used to access online resources is no longer used at Kent. The system was replaced by a new system in July 2008. The new authentication system has a range of names, such as Federated access, UK Federation, Shibboleth and other variations.