Accessing Online Resources
Learn how to access your library’s databases, e-books, and journals from off-campus using your library login.
On Campus Access
The majority of your school’s electronic resources (databases, eBooks, journals, streaming media, etc.) are available to students, faculty, and staff while off-campus.
You should always start with your library’s catalog or articles search to locate books or specific articles. The links provided through your library’s catalog are configured to provide authorized users with access while on campus. Even while on-campus you will usually be required to enter your University ID and password to authenticate and gain access to electronic resources.
Database providers recognize authorized users based on the institution’s network address (IP address) and have IP ranges registered with your university to tell if a person is coming from an approved institution.
Why might I need a mobile phone to access library resources at my school?
Many universities now use multi-factor (or two-factor)
authentication tools like Duo Security to protect student accounts. The reason for this is that passwords alone are easy to compromise (phishing, reuse, data breaches). Duo adds a second layer of security so that even if someone steals a password, they usually can’t access your phone, which stops most attacks.
Off-Campus Access
Most university libraries provide off-campus access to their digital resources through various authentication methods to ensure that only authorized users (current students, faculty, and staff) can use their resources.
When off-campus, always access resources through your library websites (catalog, articles search, research guides, etc). Most resource links on the library’s website are set up to ensure off-campus access.
When you link to a database or other online resource, you will be prompted to log in with your school ID and password to access databases, electronic journals, or ebooks. Most libraries use an authentication system such as EZproxy, SSO, or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Users log in through the university’s proxy server, which connects them to the online resource. Once authenticated, the server routes the user’s traffic, making the request appear as if it is from an on-campus location. Users enter their university credentials (e.g., a student ID and password) to gain access. EZproxy is the most common proxy server software used by academic libraries to log users into databases and other library resources.
SSO systems integrate with services such as Shibboleth or OpenAthens. Users can log in directly through a resource’s website using an “Institutional Login” or “Login via your university” option, selecting a school from a list. From there, the user uses their university credentials and is authenticated through the institution’s system.
Lean Library is a browser extension that many college and university libraries offer to help students access academic journal resources more easily. They integrate with your library’s journal subscriptions, providing access to scholarly articles and journals when you’re off-campus. You can add Lean Library to Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
A virtual private network (VPN) is software you download and install on your device to secure a connection when using an open wireless network, such as free public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop, airport, or other public location.
Many universities provide a campus-wide VPN, which makes your device appear as if it’s physically on campus, even when you’re at home or studying overseas.
When connected to your university VPN, your internet traffic routes through the university network and gets a campus IP address, which makes you appear as if you are on campus. This is important for library resources that can only be used on campus.
eduroam (short for education roaming) is a global Wi-Fi access system that lets students, faculty, and staff use their home university login to get secure internet at thousands of campuses and research institutions around the world.
You log in using your university credentials, and when you visit another participating institution, your device automatically connects to their eduroam network.
