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OFF-CAMPUS ACCESS TO DATABASES

For off-campus access to an Alverno Library database or a journal article in Educator, you will be asked to enter your last name and library barcode number when you click the link for a database or article.

If you experience difficulty, please refer to the following list of requirements for accessing databases and journal articles in databases from off campus.
  • Authentication
    For off-campus use of most Library databases and database articles, authentication (entering last name and barcode number from your library card) is required. You should be asked to authenticate only once per session, not each time you access a database.
     
    1. If a database is not functioning properly and you have not been asked to authenticate, make sure the database is being accessed from the Library web site or from Educator.
    2. If the message, “Sorry, cannot locate patron record” is displayed, check to be sure that your last name and library barcode have been entered correctly.
    3. If the yellow screen which asks for your name and barcode reappears, your browser settings may need to be adjusted as indicated below. If you are attempting to access a journal article from Educator, a way to work around this issue is to highlight and copy the URL from Educator, then paste the URL into the browser address box and press Enter. You will then be prompted to authenticate.

  • Browser Settings
    Your browser should be set up as follows:
     
    1. Cookies should be allowed.
    2. The URL for SWITCH, “*.switchinc.org” (without quotes), should be set up as a trusted site (or third-party cookies should be allowed).
    3. Java and JavaScript should be enabled.
    4. Cache should be set to check for a new version of a page each time a page is viewed.
    5. Popup Blockers should be disabled.

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  • Maximum Users
    Some databases allow only a limited number of users from Alverno to access the database at the same time. If a message such as "maximum users exceeded" displays, try again later.

  • America Online (AOL) and Other Browsers from Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
    There is an incompatibility between some non-standard browsers (such as AOL, MSN and CompuServe) and some database functions. You can use AOL (or another ISP) to connect to the Internet, but should use a different browser (such as Internet Explorer) to access databases.

  • Firewall
    If you are using a personal firewall at home, you should configure your firewall to allow access to the URL for the database you wish to access and the URL for SWITCH, “*.switchinc.org” (without quotes). If you are behind a network firewall at your workplace or school, contact your System Administrator or IT department for help.

  • Multimedia Databases (Naxos, ARTstor, & Smithsonian Global Sound)
    Some databases that provide information in a multimedia format may have additional technical requirements. These include Naxos Music Library, ARTstor, and Smithsonian Global Sound. See the instructions for these databases if necessary.

  • Further Assistance
    For further assistance, call the Alverno College Library Reference Desk at 414-382-6062 or email an Alverno Librarian using Ask A Librarian.
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Alverno College Library  •  3401 South 39th Street  •  Milwaukee, WI 53215  •  414-382-6062
Last updated 07/31/07