Q. I can't access the databases.

Typical Step by Step Troubleshooting

This is a tricky question and several possible ways to work out of this. Let's start with easier ones first and work our way up. 

1. The first place to start is how to get to the databases. Start with our Database page. Some people think you can go straight to a database from off-campus if you know the web address. Vendors won't allow that although they may have you locate your institution and redirect you to login from there.
2. Try changing browsers. Sometimes vendors favor one browser over another.
3. Try clearing the cache (temporary internet files).
4. Try clearing specific cookies to the database with the problems.
5. Problems with Security Certificates.

Other Problem Possibilities

Accessing E-books

Be aware that digital books purchased by Moody Library come with licenses, which equates to checking out a book. In most cases, the library has one license per book although there can be exceptions. If we have one license, then only one person can use the book at a time. Some digital books will have three licenses, which is the most any will have. If you find a book from the EBSCO or ProQuest Ebook collections, they will have four licenses. If you cannot get access to a book, then most likely someone else is using it and you will have to wait to use it or find something else that is available.
 

NOTE: Campus ITS may not be able to help with the problems listed below.

Problems Using Copied Article URLs

Sometimes professors or your fellow classmates will send an article link to you to share. Be aware that in most cases, just copying the web address from the web bar will not work. Let's skip the technical reasons and say that if you copy anything, be sure to copy Permalink. This makes it possible to share articles with others.
 

Network Connections

• Are you having any issues with your Wifi connections?
• Are you having problems with your internet connections at your home?

Personal Software Interference or Setup

• It is possible that antivirus or other security software can interfere with cookies for database vendors. You may need to go to your software configurations to allow for the database or HCU's proxy server.
• You may have browser settings that you have personally configured that could interfere.