Frequently Asked Questions

You can log into all Online Library resources using your Portal username and password. This is the same username and password you use to log into your Virtual Learning Environment. Your Portal username is usually your initials followed by some numbers, e.g. ab123.

If you are on a SOAS course (such as CeFIMS, CeDEP or Global Diplomacy), you need to log into the Online Library with an Athens account. To request one, please complete the Athens registration form.

To access Online Library resources, search Summon, the search box in the middle of the homepage. After you click on one of the search results, you will be asked to login.

You can also login from your programme gateway. From your gateway, you can log directly into the database you need and then search within the database.

When you login, you will be asked to choose whether to log in with your Portal password or your Athens password, as shown below. OpenAthens is another name for your Athens account.

If you see the page below, you can login using your Athens account on the left side of the page under ‘Sign in with an OpenAthens account’. Or you can login using your Portal password by typing and selecting ‘University of London’ from the list of institutions on the right side of the page under ‘Find your organisation’. 

A pop-up will appear, where you can choose ‘University of London Online Library (Portal Login)’. 

You will then be asked for your Portal username and password.

If you don't see these login pages, check the login guide for the database you are trying to access.

You can reset your Portal password using the link under 'Forgotten password?' on the Portal login page.

To reset your Athens password, follow the instructions on the How do I reset my Athens password? FAQ.

If you are new to the Online Library, take a look at our Online Library in a Nutshell guide.

If you have any problems logging in, please contact the Online Library team.