Digital library
How to access the University Library System’s collection of electronic resources
The University Library System provides access to a wide range of electronic resources, including serials, e-books, bibliographic and full-text databases, dictionaries and encyclopaedias, thematic atlases, audio and video resources, learning platforms. Resources can be accessed via Minerva, the University’s online catalogue, which includes subscription-based content, perpetually accessible materials, and a selection of open access resources.
How to Locate Electronic Resources in Minerva
Electronic resources can be searched for and accessed via the Minerva catalogue. To find a specific resource:
- Conduct a search in Minerva.
- From the search results, apply the filter “Available online” from the menu on the left-hand side.
- Select the relevant resource entry and follow the instructions in the “View Online” section.
Access conditions may vary depending on the publisher’s or provider’s technical settings. In some cases, installing specific software or creating a personal account may be required.
How to access electronic resources
Electronic resources can be accessed in two ways:
- On campus, via the University network:
- Using personal devices connected to the University’s network infrastructure (via Ethernet or the Eduroam Wi-Fi network).
- Using library computers, which provide direct and anonymous access.
- Off campus, outside the University network: Using personal devices, by logging into Minerva with University email credentials.
Who can access electronic resources?
Institutional users with an active academic or employment relationship with the University can access electronic resources from anywhere, whether on the University network or remotely, as described above.
Users who can access electronic resources off campus include:
- Academic staff and PhD students with an institutional email account (name.surname@unimi.it).
- Students with a University email account (name.surname@studenti.unimi.it), including Erasmus students.
- Employees of CNR, INFM, and INFN engaged in University research projects, as confirmed by the Head of Department. To obtain an access code, the “CNR Employees” form must be completed and sent to bd.help@unimi.it.
External users may access electronic resources exclusively as walk-in users from designated library workstations.
Terms of Use
The use of electronic resources is governed by licences subscribed to by the University Library System, which restrict access to authorised users only. Each user is personally responsible for complying with the terms of use of any consulted resource. Breaching the terms of the agreements between the University of Milan and publishers may result in access being suspended for the entire University and could lead to further sanctions.
Users must not share their login credentials or any access codes for restricted resources. Any violation will result in the blocking of access to all electronic resources.
Licences vary by publisher, but general principles include:
| Permitted | Not permitted |
|---|---|
| Viewing or downloading a reasonable number of documents. | Systematic downloading of documents or the use of automated download tools. |
| Using resources for personal study, teaching, or research, with appropriate citation. | Using retrieved materials for commercial purposes. |
| Sharing links or materials on platforms accessible only to authorised institutional users. | Distributing or transmitting retrieved materials to unauthorised users. |
For further details, please refer to the licensing section within each resource in Minerva.
