IT support in the Library

To set up Multi-Factor Authentication via a text message (SMS):

1. Go to Microsoft Authenticator setup and log in with your username@ljmu.ac.uk and LJMU password. We advise using a LJMU desktop computer or laptop but it can be set up from your own device. Once signed in a prompt will appear saying More information required, select Next. 

2. You will be presented with a screen to setup the authenticator app, at the bottom of this select I want to set up a different method. 

3. From the options select Phone, enter your country, region and mobile number. Select Next. You will then receive a text message from Microsoft containing a code, enter this verification code on screen. Select Verify. Your number will now be registered and you can select Finish.

Now when you try to access your LJMU account from a non-LJMU device you will be sent a code by text message, which you enter on the log in screen as required. 

Links and files

1. On a mobile device go to Google Play or the Apple App Store to install the ‘Microsoft Authenticator’ app. Make sure it is the ‘Microsoft Authenticator’ app with following icon (it may not be the one at the top of the list):

   

2. On a desktop computer or laptop (not mobile device), go to Microsoft MFA setup.
3. Login with your username@ljmu.ac.uk and LJMU password.
4. On the ‘Additional security verification’ webpage change the dropdown to mobile app.
5. Select Receive notifications for verification.
6. Select Setup and a QR code will appear.
7. Open the Authenticator app on your phone and select Add school or work account.
8. Scan the QR code on the webpage with the phone. You may have to allow the app to use the Camera.
9. On the webpage select Next.
10. The webpage will now try and connect to the mobile app.
11. The mobile app will pop up a notification that has to be Approved.
12. Once that has completed, select Finish.
13. You may have to provide an additional means of verification so provide your mobile number and select Save.

Once you have set up MFA, you can test it is working by going to this LJMU MFA test page. This simple webpage requests authentication through MFA and lets you know if it worked correctly.

Further information, FAQs and how to set up MFA in: LJMU Multi-Factor Authentication. 

Links and files

If you’re travelling abroad and worried your text verification code won’t work, please download the Microsoft Authenticator App.

The Microsoft Authenticator app will generate a verification code using the internet and Wi-Fi.

Details of how to set this up are available at How to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Links and files

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that will prompt you for two forms of verification when accessing a secure account online. You will already have set up your LJMU password to access your IT resources, MFA will prompt for an additional step to enhance the security of your account. You may already use something similar for internet banking where you are prompted for finger print or facial recognition to access your account. 

For further information, FAQs and how to set up MFA please see the LJMU IT Services information on Multi-Factor Authentication.

Links and files

Microsoft Teams can be accessed via the following methods depending on your device:

Microsoft Teams for PC or Mac

1. Go to Microsoft 365: www.office.com or direct to the Microsoft Teams download app page.
2. Sign in with your username@ljmu.ac.uk and your current LJMU password.
3. When the Office.com page loads you will see a Teams icon on the left-hand side, select Teams.
4. You will now be prompted to either download the Teams App or use a web-based version of Teams.
5. We recommend downloading the App for access to more features.
6. Once installed and fully signed in you will be able to make calls and chat. If required to sign in to Teams use your username@ljmu.ac.uk and your LJMU password. 

Microsoft Teams for mobile devices

Microsoft Teams is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play for Apple and Android devices respectively.

Please see Microsoft Teams help and learning for more information on MS Teams.

Information is also available from LJMU IT Services: Getting started with MS Teams at LJMU.

Once installed sign in with your username@ljmu.ac.uk and your LJMU password. 

Signing in to Teams with your LJMU account

Sign in to Microsoft Teams using the following:

username@ljmu.ac.uk and your LJMU password.

For any issues, Contact the Library.

Links and files

The LJMU Virtual Desktop allows you to access various applications, databases and electronic resources via the web browser on your own device. This runs a virtual student desktop with OneDrive access incorporating single sign-on for use with Office, Canvas and Discover including access to Library databases.

To access this service please visit the Virtual Desktop webpage.

Links and files

IT Services offers many software packages for LJMU staff and students to use at home. Availability varies between applications.

Please see Software for Staff and Students for the latest information.

Please note: Not all software packages are available to partnership staff and students due to licencing restrictions.

Links and files

Podcasting facilities at the Digital Studio

We have two podcasting booths available at the Digital Studio which is based on the first floor of the Student Life Building (Room 1.07). Each booth contains a PC with a condenser mic attached and software installed to make recordings. Each booth has capacity for one person. Software is available from the LJMU AppPlayer (green icon with arrow on the desktop). We recommend using Audacity or Adobe Audition (sign in via Adobe Creative Cloud required: username@ljmu.ac.uk).  

How to book the podcasting facilities

• Visit the PC booking page
• Select Site as Student Life Building
• Change Resource type to Podcasting
• This will display bookable PCs 75 and 76 (located in our podcasting rooms). 
• Check availability and book as required. 

Further information available on booking is available at How do I book a PC in the Library? You will receive a booking confirmation to your LJMU email address.

If you have any issues or special requirements in using this facility please email DigitalStudio@ljmu.ac.uk and one of the team will get back to you during opening hours. 

Links and files

Video editing facilities at the Digital Studio

We have two video editing rooms available at the Digital Studio which is based on the first floor of the Student Life Building. Each room contains a PC with dual screens, a ceiling camera, webcam, video monitor, large TV and software installed to edit recordings. Software is available from the LJMU AppPlayer (green icon with arrow on the desktop) including Adobe Creative Cloud and Panopto.

How to book the video editing facilities

• Visit the PC booking page
• Select Site as Student Life Building
• Change Resource type to Video Editing Suite
• This will display bookable PCs 65 and 66 (located in our video editing rooms). 
• Check availability and book as required. 

Further information available on booking is available at How do I book a PC in the Library? You will receive a booking confirmation to your LJMU email address.

If you have any issues or special requirements in using this facility please email DigitalStudio@ljmu.ac.uk and one of the team will get back to you during opening hours. 

Links and files

What and where is the Digital Studio?

The Digital Studio is based in the Student Life Building hosting a number of new and emerging technologies to LJMU staff and students. The idea behind the Digital Studio is to support students and staff in exploring and developing digital skills whilst enhancing digital creativity.

The studios include 3D printing and scanning, virtual and augmented reality, microcomputing kits, podcasting and video editing suites. It also houses a number of high specification computers including Apple iMacs along with Windows PCs with i9 processors and dedicated graphics cards.

The Digital Studio is supported by the IT Services Helpdesk team who are there to provide advice and guidance on how to use the equipment.

The Digital Studio is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm.

Digital Studio equipment

• Bambu Lab X2D
• Ultimaker S5 3D Printer with Air Manager
• Ultimaker S3 3D Printer (x2)
• SOL 3D Scanner
• Matter and Form 3D Scanner
• Microsoft HoloLens
• HTC VIVE Pro
• Meta Quest 2 and 3 VR Headsets
• Podcasting suites with dedicated microphones and sound mixer
• Video editing suites with HD camera/monitor and large display screen
• Apple iMacs with Retina 5K 27 inch screens (2020), i5 6 core processors, AMD Radeon Pro 5300 4GB graphics, Dual Screen
• Apple iPad Pros (2020)
• HP Z4 Windows 10 desktops with i9 Processors, 32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090, Dual Screen
• Raspberry Pi starter kits
• Arduino starter kits and Inventors kit
• BBC Micro:bit kit
• Canon Legria HFR806 HD Camcorder
• Adobe Creative Cloud including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Rush and Audition

How to use the Digital Studio

To use the Digital Studio equipment or to seek advice, please email the Digital Studio team.

Please note: This mailbox is only for correspondence relating to the Digital Studio and is not always monitored.

Links and files

Changing your password on campus

• Logon to a networked PC
• When the desktop has fully loaded press Ctrl-Alt-Delete
• Select Change a password 
• Enter your details into the required fields.

Changing your password off campus

• Go to My Account 
• Select Change Password
• Enter your details into the required fields.

Please note:

1. Enter your name as it appears on your registration documents
2. Your password must be at least 10 characters long
3. Passwords are case sensitive and cannot be the same as any 10 previously used
4. If the Change Password procedure fails for any reason you may need to use the Forgotten my Password option.

Please note: Only the following characters are permitted in LJMU passwords:

• A – Z
• a – z
• 0 – 9
• @ # $ % ^ & * - _ ! + = [ ] { } |  : ' , . ? / ` ~ " ( ) ; < >
• Blank space

If you encounter any problems, please Contact the Library.

Links and files

If you have set up your security questions as part of the Activate Account procedure, and you have a valid university card you can use one of these Forgotten My Password methods depending on whether you are on or off campus.

Resetting your forgotten password off-campus

• Go to My Account 
• Select Forgotten My Password
• Enter your name as it appears on your registration documents
• Your password must be at least 10 characters long
• Passwords are case sensitive and cannot be the same as any 10 previously used
• Enter your details into the required fields

Important: You will need your LJMU card to complete this process.

Resetting your forgotten password on-campus

• Go to a Network PC
• From the login screen select Forgotten My Password
• Select the arrow next to Forgotten My Password 
• Enter your name as it appears on your registration documents
• Your password must be at least 10 characters long
• Passwords are case sensitive and cannot be the same as any 10 previously used

Please note: Only the following characters are permitted in LJMU passwords:

• A – Z
• a – z
• 0 – 9
• @ # $ % ^ & * - _ ! + = [ ] { } |  : ' , . ? / ` ~ " ( ) ; < >
• Blank space

Important: You will need your LJMU card to complete this process.

If you have not set up security questions, or if you do not have a valid LJMU card, please Contact the Library.

The LJMU Virtual Desktop allows you to access various applications, databases and electronic resources via the web browser on your own device. This runs a virtual student desktop with OneDrive access incorporating single sign-on for use with Office, Canvas and Discover including access to Library databases.

To access this service please visit the Virtual Desktop webpage.

Links and files

There are a variety of systems and resources available to you at LJMU which you can access using your IT credentials.

Please note:

• Your LJMU username is not case sensitive
• Your LJMU password is case sensitive.

Password advice is available from LJMU IT Services.

The following outlines the required username format you need to enter to access the relevant resource:

• PC: username
• Eduroam Wi-Fi: username@ljmu.ac.uk
• Canvas website or app: username@ljmu.ac.uk
• Microsoft Office 365, Teams, Outlook Webmail and OneDrive: username@ljmu.ac.uk
• LJMU App: username@ljmu.ac.uk
• Adobe Creative Cloud ("sign in with an Enterprise ID"): username@ljmu.ac.uk
• OpenAthens: username@ljmu.ac.uk
• Loan Laptop or MacBook (Please note: please sign-in on-campus before you take the device home): username
• Virtual Purse (ViP): username
• Symplectic: username
• Abyasa: Request Access/Help
• LinkedIn Learning: See the LinkedIn Learning Guide
• LJMU Assist: username

 For any further help, please Contact the Library. 

Links and files

Yes, there are Windows laptops available for loan across several sites around the University as well as MacBooks for loan from the Student Life and John Lennon Buildings.

Where are the laptops?

City Campus Library, Mount Pleasant Library, Student Life Building, Redmonds Building, Byrom Street and City Square. The Student Life Building and John Lennon Building also have Apple MacBooks available to loan. You can see a live picture of available devices at Find a loan laptop.

Please note: The laptops will work off-campus after you have logged in to the device once on campus. This needs to be done every time you borrow a laptop.

How do I borrow a laptop?

You will need your University card to borrow a laptop. Tap your card on the unit and a light flashes on the locker containing the laptop that you can borrow. On-screen instructions show you what to do. Instructions on how to Borrow a Laptop. The laptop loan is registered to your library account and you will receive an email receipt confirmation. The laptop will become 'Lost' a day after it goes overdue charging you the replacement cost and blocking further borrowing. Unfortunately it is not possible to renew a laptop loan.

How long can I borrow a laptop for?

Most laptops are available either for Same Day Loan or 7 Day Loan and we have just introduced one locker (Unit G at SLB) where the laptops are a mixture of 2 Week Loan and 4 Week Loan. All the laptops will work anywhere as long as you have Wi-Fi access. Please note: you will need to log on to the laptop on campus before the laptop will work off campus.

Same Day Loan laptops will be loaned to you until 11.59pm on the day that you borrow it. All other laptops are due at 11.59pm on the day that the laptop is due back.  

You must return the laptop by the due date, or before the building closes, whichever is earlier. Full opening hours for the Library sites are available at Visiting the Library. For other buildings please check opening hours with local staff.

How do I return a laptop?

You will need your University card to return a laptop. Tap your card on the unit and a light flashes on the locker to which you should return the laptop. On-screen instructions show you what to do. Instructions on how to Return a Laptop (PDF, 585KB).

It is important that you plug the laptop back into the charging cable when you return it to the cabinet and that the charging light illuminates, otherwise the laptop will not be returned from your library account. You must also return the charger issued with the device. You will receive an email receipt when you return a laptop.

Terms and Conditions

You must return the laptop by 11.59pm on the due date, or when the building closes, whichever is earlier.

If you do not return your laptop on time it will be set to ‘lost’ on the system on the following day and you will be charged £840 for its replacement (£2680 for a MacBook). Your library account will be blocked until the laptop is returned or paid for. You may also be charged if the laptop is damaged whilst in your possession.

Please read the LJMU Laptop Loans - Terms and Conditions (PDF, 35KB).

How can I get help with a loan laptop?

If there's a problem with a laptop or you need assistance, please Contact the Library.

Links and files

Our loan laptops have Microsoft Office 365 and the AppPlayer just like the desktop PCs.  There aren't as many applications on the laptops compared to the desktops, this is due to licensing rules and the technical restrictions of the laptops.

To access other software you can use the Virtual Desktop via the browser. What is the LJMU Virtual Desktop?

You must sign in to a laptop on campus before it will work at home. You must do this on each laptop you borrow. You will need to return to campus and sign in if you haven't done so before you can use it at home.

If you get an error when trying to sign in that the 'domain is not available' please make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi. If this happens on campus please ensure the laptop is connected to the 'loanlap' network.

For any further help, please Contact the Library.

Links and files

Microsoft OneDrive is the default storage on all LJMU networked PCs and is included as part of our Office 365 subscription. 

To access:

• On a LJMU networked PC click the cloud icon in the right hand task bar and select Open Folder. 
• OneDrive is also available online (and also from www.office.com). Sign in with your username@ljmu.ac.uk and LJMU password.
• You can download the OneDrive App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Once the app is installed login with your username@ljmu.ac.uk and LJMU password.

See Saving and sharing your data with OneDrive for more information.

For further support, please Contact the Library.

Links and files

Word can generate the table of contents automatically from the title and paragraph headings within the document. To allow the appropriate titles to be identified, you must apply the “Heading” style to the titles.  

Applying the heading styles 

The Styles group can be found from the Home tab. You could use them as follows:

• Heading 1 for main titles and chapter headings
• Heading 2 for sub-headings and 
• Heading 3 for paragraph headings.

To apply a heading style:

1. Highlight the text which requires a Heading style
2. Select the Heading style button you require
3. Do this for all the titles you need in the contents

Generating a Table of Contents

• Select where you wish to insert the table of contents
• Select the References tab
• Select the Table of Contents button
• Select a style for the table

Update the Table of Contents 

If you change any of the headings in your document, or insert or delete content, you will need to update the table of contents.

• Select the References tab
• Select the Update Table button
• In the box that appears, select Update Entire Table
• Select Ok

Deleting a Table of Contents 

• Select the References tab
• Select the Table of Contents button
• Select Remove Table of Contents

A table of figures is a contents page which references graphs, pictures and tables. Before you can create a table of figures, you need to create captions for each figure. Word uses the captions to generate the table.

Applying a caption

• Select the figure
• Select the References tab
• Select the Inset Caption button on the Captions group
• Customise the caption and select OK
• Select Captions to add your own title, for example: Table 1: Chemical Symbols
• Choose a Label that is suitable for the figure
• Choose Position where you want the caption to be inserted - above or below the figure
• Select New Label to create your own labels

Generating a Table of Figures

• Select where you wish to insert the table of figures in your document
• Select the References tab
• Select Insert Table of Figures
• Choose Format for formatting style for the table
• Select Caption Label for an appropriate caption label
• Select OK and the table of figures will be inserted

Updating the Table of Figures

If you edit, move or delete a caption, the table of figures will need to be updated to reflect the revision.

• Select the table of figures
• Select the References tab
• Select the Update Table button
• In the box that appears, select Update Entire Table
• Select OK

Adding narration to a PowerPoint presentation (Office 365)

1. Go to the slide which you want to add narration to
2. From the menu bar select Insert and select Audio
3. From the menu list select Record Audio
4. A Record Sound dialogue box will appear on screen, enter a Name for the recording.
5. When you are ready select the record button and begin speaking into your microphone. When you have finished talking select the stop button. You can listen to the recording by pressing the playback button.
6. If you’re not happy with your recording simply start again by pressing the record button
7. When you’ve finished your recording, press Insert. A sound symbol will now appear on the slide. Select this to listen to your recording. If you want to delete the recording, select the sound symbol and press delete.
8. Continue to add additional narration by moving to the next slide and following the process above.

Please note: to start page numbering later in your document, you first divide the document into sections and unlink them. You then display the page numbering and choose the starting value.

1. Select in the document where you want to insert the divide.
2. Select Page Layout - Breaks - Next Page.
3. Double-click in the header or footer area where you want to display page number. This will open the Design Tab under Header and Footer.
4. Select Link to Previous to turn it off and unlink the header or footer from the previous section.
5. Select Page Number and then pick a location and a style. For example, select Top of Page or Bottom of Page and then choose the design you like.
6. Select Page Number - Format Page Numbers to open the Page Number Format dialog box.
7. To start numbering with 1, select Start at, and type 1 (otherwise, Word will automatically apply the actual page number).
8. Select OK.

Please note: To remove page numbers from the previous section, select any page number in that section to highlight it and press Delete, or right-click and choose Cut. All page numbers in that section will be deleted.

Why should I save documents attached to emails?

• Power outage
• Network problems
• Hardware failure
• Fire evacuation
• Automatic log off
• Unforeseen circumstances

How and where should I save documents attached to emails? 

Always choose Save As then select a location such as OneDrive - My Documents.

If you open an email attachment on networked PC and edit it, then your file could be lost if you choose Save. This is because the attachment opens from a temporary location which will be erased when you log off.

Please note: Do not save files to Workspace, Desktop or Downloads as these are all temporary locations.

The bypass tray can be used if you want to photocopy onto other media for example your own card or paper, but please note: 

• Card should not be too rigid, maximum 220g. You should be able to bend it into a half circle without it tearing in the middle or creasing
• Tracing paper is not compatible
• Do not place card into any of the paper trays, it could jam and damage the printer and your media

1. On the right side of the printer make sure the bypass tray is open.
2. Insert your media inside the moveable guides. Place the side to be printed on face down. If your media has a top of the page this should be placed furthest away from you.
3. Login by tapping your card.
4. Select Copy to enter the Photocopy settings screen.
5. On the Copy screen select Options.
6. From the Options menu select Paper Selection.
7. Change Paper Tray to Tray 1 (bypass tray).
8. Select Paper Type and select the thickness nearest to what you are using. Card is typically 120g.
9. Select Done when finished making selections.
10. Select Hide Options to get back to the Copy screen.
11. From the copy screen you can also select whether to copy single or double sided and whether to copy in colour or black and white.
12. To change the number of copies required select the number.
13. Select the Copy button to start the copy process.

Please note: an illustrated version of this guide is available at the Library Hubs. Poster printing is only possible on a student PC in the libraries/SLB and not via a staff laptop. 

You can print posters in the library/SLB, in the following sizes; A0, A1 or A2. After connecting to the poster printer these instructions explain how to convert your file into an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) which you can easily print. Many applications can convert files to PDF format, such as Publisher (.pub), PowerPoint (.pptx) Word (.docx), and Photoshop.

Connecting to the poster printer

1. Select the Windows Start button
2. Select Change Network Printer
3. Select your location, for example: Mount Pleasant Campus Library, City Campus Library or Student Life Building
4. Select Poster Printer
5. Select Connect (there may be a short pause while the poster printer queue connects)
6. Select OK

Please note: if using a staff PC for steps 1 and 2 you will have to search for Change network printer in the LJMU AppPlayer.

Converting your document to a PDF

If your file is already in a PDF format you can skip steps 7 to 11.

Once you have created and saved your poster in the normal way, save it again this time selecting a PDF file type. This example shows how to select PDF from a list of alternative file types in Microsoft Office applications. Other software may differ from this example, though not all software has a PDF conversion feature. 

7. From the application your poster has been created in (for example: Publisher or PowerPoint) select File
8. Select Save As
9. On the box that appears select the drop-down menu next to Save as type
10. Select PDF
11. Select Save

Opening your poster in the Adobe PDF viewer

You can double-click on your PDF document and the viewer will automatically open.

Please note: you can only view, resize and print documents within the Adobe Reader; you cannot create or edit. You should make edits in the application in which you originally created your poster and then resave the document to PDF.

Selecting poster size and printing

12. Select the print icon from the top ribbon or alternatively go to File then Print
13. From the print menu ensure that Print\PosterPrinter is selected. 
14. In the Size options select Fit
15. Select Page Setup
16. Choose your required paper size, for example, A0, A1 or A2. If you do not see paper sizes A0, A1 or A2 in the menu then close your PDF document and re-open it. If this does not resolve the problem then repeat steps 1 to 5 
17. Select OK
18. Select Print

Releasing your poster(s) to print

19. Visit LJMU MyPrint from any LJMU PC or your own mobile device
20. Log in with username@ljmu.ac.uk
21. Once signed in select Jobs Pending Release
22. Next to the file that you wish to print, select Print, then select the site you are at - for example: Mount Pleasant Campus Library Poster, City Campus Library Poster or Student Life Building Poster
23. Your poster will print - providing you have sufficient funds. For prices see: How much does poster printing cost?

If you need any further help, please Contact the Library.