iDiscover Cambridge: Your Official University Library Portal
Quick Summary
- Single search for library collections
- Manage loans, requests, fines
- Access e-resources campus-wide
- Raven ID or library barcode access
- Multi-factor authentication used
Welcome to iDiscover, the comprehensive digital portal serving the University of Cambridge libraries. This platform acts as your central hub, simplifying the process of finding and accessing the vast array of academic resources available across the University's diverse library system. Whether you are searching for physical books, digital articles, or specialized collections, iDiscover brings it all together in one intuitive interface. Designed to support students, staff, and authorized library users, iDiscover extends beyond simple search functionality. It provides robust tools for managing your library account, overseeing borrowings, tracking requests, and keeping up-to-date with your reading lists. With iDiscover, the extensive knowledge base of the University of Cambridge is at your fingertips, streamlining your research and study efforts.
- 📋 Who Can Access Cambridge Library Resources via iDiscover?
- 📍 Accessing Your iDiscover Library Account
- ⭐ Exploring the Extensive Features of iDiscover
- ⚠️ Addressing iDiscover Access Challenges
- 🔒 Maintaining Security for Your iDiscover Profile
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Top Inquiries About iDiscover: Quick Answers
Who Can Access Cambridge Library Resources via iDiscover?
- University Members (Staff and Students): Requires a University account, specifically your CRSid and Raven password.
- Other Library Users: Requires a unique library barcode login (e.g., [email protected]) and an initial one-off sign-in passcode, followed by creation of a personal password and multi-factor authentication setup.
- An active patron account within the University Library's management system is necessary for full functionality, including borrowing and requesting materials.
- Reliable internet access and a compatible web browser are needed to use the online portal.
Accessing Your iDiscover Library Account
- Navigate to the official iDiscover website.
- Locate and click the prominently displayed "Login to iDiscover" link, typically found in the top right corner of the screen.
- Choose the "My library account" option to proceed to the authentication page.
- For current University staff and students: Authenticate using your Raven credentials, which consist of your CRSid (the letters preceding '@cam.ac.uk' in your Cambridge email address) and your associated password.
- For other registered library users: Enter your designated [email protected] login and the initial one-off sign-in passcode provided to you.
- Following your first successful login as a non-Raven user, you will be prompted to create a unique personal password and configure multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance your account's security.
- Always ensure you sign out of your iDiscover account when you have finished, especially if you are using a shared or public computer.
Exploring the Extensive Features of iDiscover
- Unified Search Capability: Effortlessly search across physical books, e-books, videos, theses, articles, databases, journals, special collections, and archives from all Cambridge libraries using a single search interface.
- Personalized Account Management: Log in to oversee your current borrowings, submit and track requests for items, monitor any outstanding fines, and manage your saved search results for future reference.
- Direct E-resource Access: Enjoy seamless access to online articles, journals, and a wide array of databases, often without requiring separate logins when you are authenticated through Raven via iDiscover.
- Integrated Reading Lists: Access your course reading lists, powered by Leganto, which provide direct links to electronic resources and show the current availability of print books.
- Material Request System: Easily request items that are currently on loan to another user, with email notifications informing you when the item becomes available.
- Library Purchase Suggestions: Propose new books or articles for acquisition by the University Library, contributing to the growth of its collections.
- Gateway to Specialized Collections: Initiate searches for printed special collections and access ArchiveSearch for detailed information on manuscripts and archival materials.
- Software Access Links: Discover and access essential software resources, such as Office 365, EndNote, SPSS, and MatLab, available to University members.
Addressing iDiscover Access Challenges
⚠️ Login or Password Problems for iDiscover Account
Cause: This can stem from entering incorrect credentials, having a forgotten password, or an issue with your library patron account's active status.
Solution: If you are a University staff member or student using Raven, your iDiscover login is tied to your University IT account; password resets should be managed through the UIS Helpdesk or your local Computer Officer. Other library users should utilize the "Can't access your account?" or "Forgot my password" links on the iDiscover sign-in page to recover your details. Additionally, ensure your library patron account is current and active by contacting [email protected] if you suspect an account status issue.
⚠️ Inability to Access Electronic Resources After Logging In
Cause: Sometimes, direct login to iDiscover isn't the primary method for e-resource access, or there might be specific technical glitches with resource links.
Solution: Often, you can use iDiscover's search function without logging in and then provide your University IT account credentials when prompted by the specific e-resource itself. If problems persist or if you require direct support for e-journals, e-books, or other e-resources, please contact the dedicated support teams at [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected] respectively.
Maintaining Security for Your iDiscover Profile
- 🔒 Utilize Strong, Unique Passwords: Always create and maintain a robust, distinct password for your iDiscover account, especially if you are not using Raven authentication.
- 🔒 Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): For enhanced account security, make sure to set up Multi-Factor Authentication. This provides an additional layer of protection and assists in identity verification, particularly if you ever need to reset your password.
- 🔒 Always Log Out on Shared Computers: To protect your personal and academic information, consistently log out of your iDiscover account and close the browser window after each session, especially when using public or shared computing devices.
- 🔒 Be Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts: Remain cautious of unsolicited emails or messages requesting your login credentials. Official communications from the University of Cambridge will always direct you to secure pages within the cam.ac.uk domain.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For general library inquiries, you can call +44 (0) 1223 333000 or email [email protected]. For specific iDiscover login issues (Raven users), email [email protected]. For e-resource access problems, contact [email protected]. If you have issues with e-journals, email [email protected], or for e-books, use [email protected]. For questions regarding your library patron account registration, reach out to [email protected]. If you are unable to request materials via iDiscover, email [email protected] or call 01223 333031.
Top Inquiries About iDiscover: Quick Answers
Q: How do I access iDiscover Cambridge if I'm a student?
As a current University of Cambridge student, you can access iDiscover by clicking the "Login to iDiscover" button, then selecting "My library account." You will authenticate via Raven using your CRSid and password, which are linked to your University IT account.
Q: What type of resources can I find using iDiscover?
iDiscover provides access to an extensive range of resources, including physical books, e-books, articles, academic journals, various databases, doctoral theses, videos, open access content, and specialized materials from unique collections and archives housed across all Cambridge libraries.
Q: Can I manage my library loans through iDiscover?
Yes, once you are logged into your iDiscover account, you gain full control over your library interactions. This includes the ability to view all items currently on loan, renew books, track the status of any requests you've placed, and check for any outstanding fines or account blocks.
Q: Is it necessary to log into iDiscover to access online articles and e-resources?
While logging into iDiscover offers personalized account features and can sometimes streamline access to e-resources, it is not always a mandatory step for accessing online articles or databases. Often, you can use iDiscover's powerful search function without logging in, and then simply provide your University IT account credentials when prompted by the specific e-resource itself.
Q: What should I do if I forget my iDiscover password?
If your iDiscover access relies on your Raven (University IT account), you should reset your password through the UIS Helpdesk or contact your local Computer Officer. For other registered library users, you can use the "Can't access your account?" or "Forgot my password" links available on the iDiscover sign-in page to retrieve your account details. Setting up multi-factor authentication can also aid in identity verification during such situations.
Wrap Up
iDiscover serves as an indispensable digital gateway, connecting you seamlessly to the vast and varied collections and services provided by the University of Cambridge libraries. By offering a unified search platform and robust account management functionalities, it empowers users to efficiently locate, access, and oversee the critical academic resources essential for both their studies and research endeavors. By adhering to secure login practices and fully utilizing the platform's comprehensive capabilities, users are ensured a smooth, productive, and enriching experience with Cambridge's globally renowned library system.