Library

Database Access HelpCenter

Welcome!

If you are having problems accessing library databases, please follow the list below.

1. Verify that you have used the USF library web site as your gateway to the databases. Going directly to a database vendor's site will not allow you access.

2. Verify that you are a current student, staff or faculty member.

3. Verify that you have the proper username and password, and that you are typing them in lower-case. See the MyUSF portal login screen for information about logging in.

4. Have you cleared your disk and memory cache?

  • Netscape: Click on EDIT > PREFERENCES > ADVANCED (click on "+" next to word) > CACHE. On the right-hand side of this screen, there will be two bottons--one marked "Clear Memory Cache" and one marked "Clear Disk Cache". Press both of these buttons in succession. Click Okay. Restart Netscape and try accessing the databases again.

  • Internet Explorer: Click on TOOLS > INTERNET OPTIONS > DELETE FILES > DELETE ALL OFFLINE CONTENT > OKAY. Restart Internet Explorer and try again.

  • AOL Browser: Minimize the AOL window and open Internet Explorer or Netscape and try accessing the databases from there. Remember to follow all instructions included in this document regarding the two broswers. Free downloads of Internet Explorer and Netscape are available.

5. Do you have a firewall?

A firewall on your home network or from your Internet Service Provider (large ISPs usually do not restrict access to our databases) will interfere with the proxy service. In order to connect to our online databases, your firewall software or your local ISP needs to give permission for our IP address to communicate. The IP address you need is: (208.44.247.116) . This address will allow you or your local ISP to set up the library as a trusted host. Don't forget to mention to your ISP that you need access to port: (2048) as well. These two numbers should allow you to connect to our resources.

6. What is your location?

If you are attempting to use databases from your employer's network, be aware that company system adminstrators frequently block employee access to proxy services. Contact your systems administrators for clarification.

7. Internet browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer are configured to accept javascript. Check to see if this has been changed by:

  • Netscape: Click on EDIT> PREFERENCES> ADVANCED. Select ENABLE JAVASCRIPT.

  • Internet Explorer: Click on TOOLS> INTERNET OPTIONS> SECURITY> CUSTOM LEVEL. Under SCRIPTING, select ENABLE for all.

8. What is your Internet Explorer security level?

Internet Explorer security needs to be set at medium or lower. A security setting of high turns off the javascript. Click on TOOLS> INTERNET OPTIONS> SECURITY> CUSTOM LEVEL to determine security level.

9. Are you running anti-virus software on your computer?

Some anti-virus programs interfere with the database service. Consider disabling your anti-virus software while doing research and enabling it when finished.

10. When using Netscape and any FirstSearch database, you receive the error: "Communications Exception (-336)."

Users of Netscape 4.06 may experience problems using the proxy service with FirstSearch databases. If you receive an error message that says "Communications Exception (-336)," upgrade your Netscape version to 4.76 to correct the problem.

11. Verify that you are using the proper Web browser.

  • Internet Explorer for Macintosh does not support our database services.

  • Netscape 6.x does not support our database services. Use Nescape 4.7x which can be downloaded for free here.

  • The AOL Broswer does not support our database services.

  • Opera does not support our database services.

12. Make sure your brower is set to accept cookies.

  • Netscape: Click on EDIT > PREFERENCES > ADVANCED (click on word). On the lower right-hand side of this screen, there will be a box with a number of COOKIES settings to choose from. Choose ACCEPT ALL COOKIES.

  • Internet Explorer: Click on TOOLS > INTERNET OPTIONS> SECURITY, Select the INTERNET icon and then CUSTOM LEVEL. Under COOKIES, select ENABLE.

13. Netscape will not work even though you followed the instructions.

Netscape may still experience intermittent proxy failures even when correctly configured. In such cases, we recommend downloading and configuring Internet Explorer, which has proven to be stable with our database services.

14. Reboot your computer after following this list, if none of the above changes take effect after restarting your broswer.

15. Call 800-726-6500 or email refdesk@stfrancis.edu for additional suggestions.

 


Why does USF use proxy services to connect me to Library resources?

Contracts with our database vendors require us to restrict access to faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students of the University of St. Francis. When on the Joliet campuses connections to subscription resources are automatic. Off campus access requires login through a proxy server. By using proxy services, your browser becomes part of the USF campus network, regardless of your location. When you attempt to access a library resource, you will be prompted to log in with a username and password . This information is matched against the library patron database and those in authorized patron groups will be connected.