Skip to main content.
UMW Libraries
  

Using Databases from off-campus

Most of the UMW Libraries' databases and electronic journals are licensed for use by the current students, faculty, and staff of the University of Mary Washington. To comply with the requirements mandated by the vendors of these commercial services, UMW must authenticate each user by requiring users to login during each browser session via our proxy server.

When you click on a restricted database or resource on our website or in our catalog, you will be required to enter your Novell username and password (usually, the same username and password used to login to UMW email and Blackboard).

 

Trouble Accessing Databases?

The following may be blocking your access to Library resources from off-campus:

Report chronic access problems to the Reference Desk at 540-654-1148 or refdesk@umw.edu. Please be specific about the nature of the problem, any error messages you received, and the location of the links you clicked. We will attempt to solve any problems as soon as possible.

If you are unable to access databases or resources from off-campus, access is available via a Library or campus computer at both the Fredericksburg and Stafford campuses.

Downtime or Disruption in Service:

Although every effort is made to provide consistent off-campus access, not all resources may be available at all times.

  • The resource may have scheduled downtime for maintenance or unscheduled downtime due to system or internet problems.
  • Many of our resources have limited numbers of simultaneous users and may be temporarily unavailable due to a high volume of usage.
  • The library and the campus systems frequently schedule upgrades and other maintenance on University breaks and holidays, so access to our resources may be interrupted for extended periods of time.

If you are unable to connect immediately to the resource you have selected, click on the reload or refresh button in your browser or try the link again later. If you have questions about whether a database is experiencing downtime or a disruption in service, check the library's home page for announcements of scheduled interruptions or contact the Reference Desk at 540-654-1148 or refdesk@umw.edu.

Campus Login, Network or Authentication System:


A problem with your NetID or campus login or with the campus network or authentication system will block your access to Library databases and resources. Ensure that your login is functioning and your password is correct by logging in to https://sspw.umw.edu/. If you are unable to login to this system, contact the Help Desk at 540-654-2255. For more information about NetIDs and passwords, visit http://www.umw.edu/technology/network/netid_password/default.php.

Firewalls, Security Software, and Cookies:


Many of the Library's databases and resources are not accessible behind personal or corporate firewalls or security software.

  • Some resources may require that you lower security and privacy settings by enabling cookies or changing other settings and features in your browser.
  • To change your cookie settings: In Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" in the toolbar at the top of the window. Then click on "Options" and then the "Privacy" tab to set your security options. In Mozilla Firefox, click on "Tools" in the toolbar at the top of your browser window. Then select the "Privacy" icon at the top of the dialog box. You can change your cookie settings after selecting the "Cookie" tab.
  • Personal firewalls, filters, and security software may need to be temporarily disabled to use these resources.
  • Some DSL and cable internet providers have firewalls in place that may block access. Check with your internet service provider about accessing online resources that use a proxy server for authentication.
  • Many businesses and corporations, including government and military locations, have firewalls in place that may block access. Check with your network system administrator about accessing online resources that use a proxy server for authentication.
  • Lowering security and privacy settings and/or disabling firewalls, filters, and security software is done at your own risk.
  • For technical assistance with accessing online resources that use a proxy server for authentication, please check your system or software documentation and contact your network administrator, internet service provider, or the Help Desk at 540-654-2255.

Browsers, Plug-ins & pdfs

Not all databases will work consistently well with all browsers or versions of browsers, and many require plug-in software to view articles.

  • Many resources require Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher and the current version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader (for pdf files) or another plug-in viewer to access all features. See our plug-in page to download plug-ins or browser updates.
  • Use of the AOL browser is a known problem for remote access to several of our databases. To work around this problem, connect to AOL as usual. Then open Internet Explorer and connect to the database or journal.
  • If you are unable to open an article in a PDF format, right-click on the link to the article and select either "Open in New Window" or "Save Target As". If you select "Save Target As", you will be able to save the PDF file to your computer and can open the saved file to view the article.

Content Not Covered by Subscription:


UMW Libraries may not subscribe to the content that you wish to use.

Last Modified: June 11, 2007