What's the fuss with Athens?

What is Athens?
An Athens account is a username and password that will allow you remote access to selected electronic resources. In other words, you can access selected databases and other electronic resources from your workplace or home computer. NHS Athens will allow you to access all the resources in the National Core Content, including the healthcare databases (Medline, Cinahl, etc), electronic journals, e-books, the British National Formulary and more.

I already have an Athens account, can I use this?
You may already have a Athens account from an academic institution, or other NHS library which will allow you to access the resources that institution or library has bought specifically for its users. You can register for a NHS Athens account via the LIRC webpages, providing you are employed by University Hospital Aintree, Walton Centre or Sefton PCT. This will then allow you to access both national resources and in addition, journals and e-books bought specifically for our Trust staff. For other Trust staff you will need to contact your local library or Athens administrator

I've forgotten my username/password, what should I do?
If you are University Hospital Aintree, Walton Centre or Sefton PCT staff you can call the LIRC helpdesk on 0151 529 5851 and we will let you know your details. If you are not a member of any of the Trusts above you will need to find the contact details of your local Athens administrator

My Athens won't let me access the resources, what is wrong?
Either your Athens account has expired, in which case ring the LIRC Helpdesk on 0151 529 5851 and they will renew your account (provided you are still working at the above Trusts), you are entering your account details in the wrong place (for EBSCO journals you need to look for the blue Athens login and click on this to enter your details), or you are trying to access a resource which you are not entitled to access with your Athens.

Can I change my password?
Yes, If you don't like the password you've been given, visit the MyAthens pages, login, and then follow the link to 'change password'. Your password must be over six characters long, and must be a mix of letters and numbers.

Further assistance with Athens
For UHA, Sefton PCT and Walton Centre Trust staff, further assistance on Athens can be obtained by calling the LIRC Helpdesk on 0151 529 5851.