- Access to the Internet
- Off-Campus Access to Online Resources
- Library Facilities & Services
- Information Services
- Lectures & Timetables
Access to the Internet
How do I access the internet in the Library?
Internet access is available on Library computers. Logging in with your student number and barcode will provide restricted access to the internet. Restricted access includes Library related resources such as the Library catalogue, online databases for finding journal articles, and your UWA student email. Additionally you will have access to the following domains: .edu , .org and .gov. To access other web sites in the Library you will need a Full Access Account.
What is Pheme?
Pheme is the UWA Authentication Management System. It provides staff and students with a single account for a range of UWA facilities, such as Central email, WebCT, dialin access and Student Connect and Staff Connect.
For Pheme help contact the Information Technology Services (ITS)
What is a Full Access Account?
A Full Access Account (or a "full service" account) will provide unrestricted access to the web in the Library. A Full access account also gives you access to various internet services on other parts of the campus (such as in computer labs) and includes a dialup account, access from the colleges, and a homepage. In addtion obtaining a Full Access account is a prerequisite for obtaining access to the on campus wireless internet SNAP network.
For help contact the Student Internet Support Office (SISO).
What do I have to use my internet quota for in the Library?
On Library computers you have free access to most resources required for Library research, including online journal databases and Library catalogues. These sites are included on a list of "Library sponsored resources". If you come across a site required for your research that you believe should be included in the list of Library sponsored resources submit an Ask a Librarian query.
When using UWA computers outside of the Library or wireless access in the Library via SNAP you will need to use your ITS net usage quota to access most resources included on the list of "Library sponsored resources".
You will need to use your net usage quota for other sites including hotmail or gmail when you are using Library computers.
Can I use wireless access in the Library?
If you have your own laptop you can set up wireless access in the Library via SNAP (Student Network Access Project).
What is SNAP?
Student Network Access Project (SNAP) allows students and staff members on campus to access the internet using their own personal computers or PDAs.
Can I access hotmail, gmail, yahoo mail in the Library?
You can only access these websites if you have signed up for a Full Access Account.
Why do I need to check my University email regularly?
It is very important that you check your University email account regularly as this is the primary way in which sections of the University, including the Library, will communicate with you.
Can I redirect my student email to my personal email account?
No it is not possible to have your University mail automatically redirected to your personal email account.
Information Technology Services Frequently Asked Questions
Off-Campus Access to Online Resources
How do I access online resources from home or work?
Go to the Library Web site at http://www.library.uwa.edu.au/. Access online resources through either SuperSearch or the Library catalogue.
More information on accessing Library resources remotely - Authenticated access from outside the UWA network.
Which is the best web browser to use?
The one that you are most comfortable with. Don't forget to upgrade to a later version from time to ttime. If you have a problem accessing one of the Library's databases from home, try using a different web browser.
Which software viewers do I need?
Some documents on the Library Web site can only be accessed if you have the right software viewer on your computer. These include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Excel, and QuickTime.
More information about software viewers - downloading software viewers
What about anti-virus software?
UWA IT Services recommends that you install anti-virus software on your computer.
More information about protection from viruses
The Co-op Bookshop in the Guild Village offers discounted anti-virus software to students and members and some anti-virus software is available free on the web.
Why can't I open this CMO (Course Materials Online) document?
Most documents in CMO will be either web pages or PDF documents. PDF documents should be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6 or higher. If you have a very old version of Adobe Acrobat Reader on your home or office computer you may not be able to open the CMO document.
Instructions for downloading software viewers (including Adobe Acrobat)
Why can't I access the SuperSearch login screen?
There isn't a simple answer to this question. One known problem occurs with some types of older anti-virus software when both old and new anti-virus software are running on a computer at the same time. But there are many more.
Why can't I login to Get It!?
Check out the Get It! FAQ page.
I just Googled an online resource, why can't I get it?
Most online resources such as online books or online journal articles that are made available through the Library Web site are purchased by the Library and access is limited to eligible UWA students and staff. If you use Google or most other web search engines to locate these resources you won't be given the option to login as a UWA student or staff to prove that you are eligible.
You must use either SuperSearch or the Library catalogue to access these online resources. You will then be offered the correct login screen where you can enter your UWA person ID (also commonly referred to as a campus card number or Student number or Staff number) and Pheme password. The only alternative to SuperSearch or the catalogue is to use Google Scholar in conjunction with Find It. For more information on this please consult the Library's guide to Google Scholar.
Who should I tell if I have problems accessing online resources?
Send us an email using the Ask a Librarian link on the bottom of the Library home page under Library Services. You will need to answer these questions:
- What is the name of the online resource?
- Did you access via the Library catalogue or SuperSearch?
- Were you offered a login screen?
- What details did you enter (your student number and Pheme password)?
- Have you tried to access it a second time?
- Are you accessing from home or office?
- Have you tried to reboot your computer and then access it again?
- Which web browser are you using? You may want to try another
- A full description of the problem you encountered, including error messages
Library Facilities & Services
How do I pay for photocopying and printing in the Library?
You pay for photocopying and printing in the Library using your UWA campus card. It costs 12c per page to photocopy or print and there are "autoloader" machines in the Subject Libraries which you use to add money to your card. As there are no money changing facilities in the Library it's a good idea to bring some change with you. If you need help with photocopying or printing do not hesitate to ask Library staff.
How do I borrow books?
Your UWA Campus card is also your Library borrowing card. Books may be checked out at the Loans/Inquiry Desk or via selfcheck terminals.
How do I know when my books are due back?
You can go online to My Library Loans. The Library will also send you an email reminder to return your items close to the due date. You can renew your books online before the due date. Your books may be recalled at any time and the Library will notify you by email. A new due date will be set and you will have a week to return the items. You should regularly check your UWA student email for Library notices.
How many items can I borrow and for how long?
Undergraduate students may borrow up to 30 items for 6 weeks from the main collection. Some items may be 3-day loans.
More information about lending services
Can I renew books online?
You can go online to My Library Loans from the Library Web site. You can renew your books online before the due date.
What if the book I want is on loan?
You can request items using the Library catalogue. See how to request an item on loan for full details.
What is Reserve?
The Reserve Collection is separate from the Main Collection and consists of books and other items in high demand that have been recommended for your unit. You can access a list of materials in the Reserve Collection for your unit via Course Materials Online.
More information about Reserve
What is CMO?
Course Materials Online (CMO) consists of reading material recommended by your lecturer for your Unit. This material may consist of book chapters, journal articles, links to books in the library catalogue, selected cases and legislation, or Government reports. Where possible these resources are digitised and accessible over the World Wide Web.
Information Services
Information services are provided in each Subject Library on campus and are staffed with Librarians. Librarians can help you to find good quality information for your work, and solve problems related to Library research and the use of information resources.
You can call into the Information Services office in your subject library, make an appointment for an individual meeting by contacting a Librarian in your subject area, or email Ask a Librarian.
How do I find journal articles?
Journal articles are a useful resource when conducting research. For more information about finding journal articles visit the finding journal articles page on the Library Web site or email Ask a Librarian.
What Library orientation activities are being conducted for my subject area?
All UWA libraries offer some kind of orientation activities for new students. Contact a Librarian in your subject area or email Ask a Librarian to find out more.
Lectures & Timetables
How do I access my class timetable?
First plan your class times by visiting the timetable page on the UWA Web site. You can then register for your classes via OLCR (Online Class Registration). Once you have established your timetable you can view or print it out at any time. Please note, the OLCR system does not cover all units and is for selecting class times for units in which you have already enrolled.
Can I access my lecture notes online?
Some lecture notes are available for students online through a service called Lectopia, or may be accessible through your WebCT. With Lectopia, students can access lecture recordings over the internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Consult your lecturer for availability.
More information about Lectopia
How can I locate my lecture theatre/seminar room/laboratory etc.?
You can locate most of the major lecture theatres by visiting the campus map page on the UWA Web site. The lecture theatres are indicated by the abbreviation LT. For venues not shown on the campus map use the venues listing page to determine what building it is in. You can then refer back to the campus map to determine where that building is on campus.

