The changes will simplify how people, who are not currently studying or working for the University of Cambridge, access the Library’s digital services – with one new login for everything.
These changes will not affect current University of Cambridge staff and students.
All University of Cambridge students and staff are automatically members of the University Library and can simply use their blue Cambridge ID card and their usual Cambridge login to access everything.
We welcome everyone to Cambridge University Library, and previously, for all other readers and researchers, including alumni, access to the Library’s computers, printers (including photocopying and scanning), Wi-Fi, and logging in to iDiscover to request material, was provided through different routes.
From 8 April 2024, this will be simplified through one login with one username and password to remember.
What do I need to do?
If you have a Cambridge University Library card, and you are not currently a student or staff member at the University of Cambridge, you will have received an email informing you of the upcoming change, and another email on the 8 April 2024 with:
- a one-time password
- a link to set up your new password
- instructions to set up multi-factor authentication (see FAQs below for more details)
Your new username will be: yourlibrarybarcode@reader.lib.cam.ac.uk. Your library bar code is located on the front of your library card, beginning with V. e.g. VABC1. Your new username isn’t an email address, even though it’s in the same format. It is simply your username to access digital services at the University Library.
You can create your new login any time after the 8 April 2024. You can wait until the next time you would like to use the Library’s digital services if you'd like to. There is no deadline – just whenever you are ready.
From 8 April 2024
- The UniOfCam Wi-Fi network will be switched over to UniOfCam-Guest Wi-Fi network.
- You’ll create your new login, when you are ready, using the information and links emailed to you. (Simply contact us if you need any help, details below.)
Your new login will allow access to the Library’s computers, UniOfCam-Guest Wi-Fi, printing, photocopying and scanning, logging in to iDiscover to request material, and subscription e-resources while you are on site.
Once you have your new Library login, connect to UniOfCam-Guest Wi-Fi using the 'Library Reader' button. This will give you access to the Wi-Fi and Library e-resources. Full instructions with images can be found here: https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/library-readers-connecting-wireless-using-your-library-account
We are here to help
We have partnered with Norman Managed Services at Northumbria University to provide dedicated support for this set-up process via Live Chat, available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm: https://libraryreader-help.lib.cam.ac.uk/
You can also contact Reader Services at Cambridge University Library, for questions and help with your library account and services.
- Email readerservices@lib.cam.ac.uk
- Call 01223 333030
- Visit the Reader Services Desk in the Cambridge University Library Entrance Hall from 9am to 12pm, or from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
We are likely to be receiving more enquiries than usual, so thank you in advance for your patience as we help everyone get set up.
FAQs
- Why is this happening and is my information safe?
We regularly review our systems to ensure we are safeguarding our collections for everyone, forever, and to offer the best reader and researcher experience to everyone. Your information is safe. There has not been a security breach.
- Why aren’t current students and staff at the University affected?
Over the summer of 2021, the University of Cambridge implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all current staff and students. From 8 April 2024, this change will be extended to everyone who uses the University Library.
- What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
Authentication simply means making sure you are the person who is supposed to be accessing the service.The first time you log in to your library account on a new device, you'll be prompted to verify your identity after entering your password. You should only need to do this once for each device you use to access the library’s services.
Follow the instructions in the email you received to set up multi-factor authentication. You can also find them here: https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/setting-library-account-login
Contact us if you need any help.
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I didn’t receive an email to set up my new login, what do I do?
You’ll receive this email on 8 April 2024. You can set up your account any time after that. Check your spam folder just in case it has ended up in there. If you haven’t received it or need it to be resent, contact Reader Services on readerservices@lib.cam.ac.uk (or use any of the contact details above).
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Can I still access the Library if I don’t set up my new login?
You will still be able to visit the University Library and read our physical collections, but without a login you won’t be able to access the Library’s subscription e-resources, or use the Library’s computers, printers, photocopiers, or scanners. To continue to access everything the Library has to offer set up your new login, whenever you’d like to, with as much support as you need from us.
- Will I be able to access everything as soon as I set up my new login?
We expect this to be the case, yes. If we find this is taking longer than expected, we will update this answer and let people know.
- Will I lose my print credit?
No one will lose their print credit. Print credit on active accounts will be transferred automatically when you set up your new password. Accounts that are currently inactive can contact Reader Services (details above) to have them transferred once the new login is set up.
- How will I know the email and links are safe and from Cambridge University Library?
The emails will come from the address do-not-reply@lib.cam.ac.uk. Sometimes your email provider will capitalise it so it will show DO-NOT-REPLY@lib.cam.ac.uk. Both versions are from us. If you have any queries or concerns email readerservices@lib.cam.ac.uk
- What are the options for multi-factor authentication?
From 8 April, you'll have the option to set up your preferred verification method. The methods to choose from will be:
> The ‘Authenticator’ app: found on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Using this app, you can choose to use either your fingerprint, face, PIN, or a verification code. The app is free of charge.
> Text message: Microsoft sends you a text message that contains a verification code.
> Phone call: Microsoft calls you. Answer the phone and press the # key.
You will receive full step-by-step instructions with images to follow. We are also here to help you.
You should only need to do this once for each device you use to access the library’s services.
- I don’t have a smartphone. Can I use multi-factor authentication?
If you don't have a smartphone with internet or app capabilities, you will still be able to use the following methods:
> Text message: Microsoft sends you a text message that contains a verification code.
> Phone call: Microsoft calls you. Answer the phone and press the # key.
You will receive full step-by-step instructions with images to follow. We are also here to help you.
You should only need to do this once for each device you use to access the library’s services.
- Can I still use iDiscover to search before I set up my new login?
Yes. You do not need to log in to iDiscover to search the collections.
Logging in to iDiscover allows you to request certain books to the Reader Services Desk, Reading Room, or Rare Books room, and to view your current loans. However, you can still request books by completing a Click and Collect form and you can still contact Reader Services for help with your requests and loans.
- I have a current UniOfCam Wi-Fi ticket, can I still use it?
The way you log in to Wi-Fi will change on 8 April 2024. Your current UniOfCam ticket ID will no longer work. Whilst in the University Library, on your personal device, you will be able to choose the network called UniOfCam-Guest and log in with your new library login. You will be able to access the same subscription e-resources as you can now.
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How do I access the new guest Wi-Fi?
The new guest Wi-Fi will be UniOfCam-Guest.
Once you have your new Library login, connect to UniOfCam-Guest Wi-Fi using the 'Library Reader' button. This will give you access to the Wi-Fi and Library e-resources.
Full instructions with images can be found here: https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/library-readers-connecting-wireless-using-your-library-account
Further questions
We have partnered with Norman Managed Services at Northumbria University to provide dedicated support for this set-up process via Live Chat, available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm: https://libraryreader-help.lib.cam.ac.uk/
You can also contact Reader Services at Cambridge University Library, for questions and help with your library account and services.
- Email readerservices@lib.cam.ac.uk
- Call 01223 333030
- Visit the Reader Services Desk in the Cambridge University Library Entrance Hall from 9am to 12pm, or from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
We are likely to be receiving more enquiries than usual, so thank you in advance for your patience. Soon everyone will have one simple secure login to access all the Library’s digital services.
Thank you so much for your support in helping to keep our systems safe.
This page was last updated on 08 April 2024