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Electronic Resources

Usernames & Passwords

Accessing electronic resources off-campus for current staff, students, Alumni and SOAS retired members of staff.

To access e-resources (databases, e-journals, e-books etc) off-campus SOAS staff and students can use their SOAS id and password - the same as for SOAS e-mail, computers etc. Due to licensing restrictions we are only able to provide off-campus access to most e-resources for current SOAS students and staff (see information on JSTOR/Project MUSE for alumni at the bottom of this page). 

To access all of SOAS' subscribed e-resources directly, and easily you should go to the A-Z databases list.

If you are in need of any help with accessing databases please e-mail electronic@soas.ac.uk or call 020 7898 4163/4141

Most databases are accessible via single sign on (SSO)

Why do I need a username and password for e-resources?

Many of the electronic resources to which the Library subscribes are freely available to all Library users from computers on-campus, as we are able to register our computers with all of the service providers. If you are off-campus you will need to use a username and password (your SOAS id, the same one you use for SOAS e-mail and computer access) to access e-resources. Some resources such as Westlaw and Lexis Library are only accessible with usernames and passwords, on or off-campus. If you are unable to remember your login you can reset your password (please note that this will change your password for all SOAS resources - e-mail, computers, BLE/Moodle etc) or you can contact the IT Service Desk via email itservicedesk@soas.ac.uk or visit the desk at the Library on Level E

Who is entitled to a username and password?

Owing to licensing agreements only SOAS students and staff are entitled to usernames and passwords to access to most e-resources.
The only exceptions to this are for SOAS Alumni access to JSTOR and SOAS Retired staff members. For more details see below.

SOAS retired staff members

Retired members of SOAS staff who are granted honorary membership of SOAS are welcome to use all e-resources which are licensed for walk-in use whilst on Library premises. In addition, some licensed e-resources allow off-campus (remote) access for retired staff members. Currently, SOAS can provide access to:

Additional resources will be added as they become available. Retired staff members should follow the links above to login with their SOAS ID and password

SOAS Alumni JSTOR & Project MUSE Access

We are now able to provide off-campus access to JSTOR archival content for SOAS Alumni. For access to this resource you will need to register with the SOAS Alumni website (free). Then access JSTOR via the SOAS Alumni website: SOAS Alumni website or from the A-Z list of databases.