How to Access School Library Files From Home

Many campus libraries now offer access to a wide range of online services. These can include: lists of borrowed items, online renewal, databases and article search engines, some of which provide the user with full-text articles, links to e-books, and more. But it can be very frustrating to discover when you are trying to do research on the library website from your home network, that you may not be able to access these conveniences. Many databases are available only by subscription, for which the school or library pays a fee. Therefore, schools attempt to limit access to these databases to the campus community. But you can probably access its files and services at home with a little extra effort.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find out what your campus library's off-campus access or authentication policy is. Even if you do not have a student or faculty ID, many libraries offer guest or member IDs to other community members for a small membership fee.

    • 2

      Get a library ID and online services login information, if you do not have these already.

    • 3

      Visit the library's website and log in to the service you wish to use. You should be prompted for your login information. If you have a student, faculty, or guest login, enter it, and you should go right to the service you're trying to access.

    • 4

      Make sure you are using a supported browser, if you continue to have trouble. You will be able to learn which browsers are recommended from the library website or by speaking with the library help desk.

    • 5

      Look for support on the library website, if you're still having difficulty. Many school library sites have a page for technical support or assistance with remote access. These pages could have full instructions for you on setting up your connection, or they might just tell you whom to contact for help. For instance, Yale University offers a full guide to connecting remotely to its library services, depending on which types of files you're hoping to access.

    • 6

      Contact your library or school IT help desk if you find your library's website too difficult to navigate. Your feedback may be valuable to them.

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