Off-Campus Access Information (Authentication)
Why do we authenticate?
Who is allowed to authenticate?
Which resources can we provide authentication for? And which are for on-campus use only?
How do we authenticate?
What about VPN?
What about problems with authentication?
Can I talk to a person about all of this?
Why do we authenticate?
The Merrill-Cazier Library provides access to approximately 170 subscription databases and several thousand electronic journals. Most subscription products require the execution of a license agreement (contract) that stipulates that the Library will only provide access to Authorized Users (a term generally defined as currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff of the university as well as patrons who are physically present in the Library building). The license protects the intellectual property of the database providers. We must authenticate remote users (those who are not on the USU campus) in order to comply with this contract language.
Who is allowed to authenticate?
Anyone who is currently enrolled as student at Utah State University or anyone who is currently employed as faculty or staff. You must have an established email account with Network and Computing Services. While we do allow members of the community to access electronic resources from the Library building, we cannot allow them to connect remotely.
What resources can we provide authentication for?
Most electronic resources licensed by the Merrill-Cazier Library are available for remote access. There are a few exceptions.
The following collections are not available because there has been an unfortunate series of license violations resulting in publisher requests to restrict access to campus access only: the American Institute of Physics journals; the American Society of Civil Engineering database and journals; and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers journals.
Additionally, SciFinder Scholar is not available for remote access. This restriction is by vendor request and is consistently applied at almost every college and university.
How do we authenticate?
Most Library electronic resources are only available at machines residing on the USU network. USU network machines generally have IP addresses within the range 129.123.*.*. To provide access to machines that are not on the network, the Libraries rely on USU Network and Computer Services to maintain a proxy server. A proxy server places a gateway between a local machine and the internet. The end user is required to log-in to the proxy server to authenticate him or herself as a valid user of the computer network--in this case, the USU network. The proxy server then is allowed to place requests to a remote service (such as a library electronic resource) and then send content back down to an authenticated user. Directions are available here.
To simplify remote access, the Merrill-Cazier Library no longer maintains a separate local proxy. Some patrons may recall the old "E-Z Proxy," which required users to login with the first three letters of their first and last names (e.g. Joe Smith=joesmi) All remote access must now be authenticated through the USU proxy server. E-Z Proxy has been disabled since May 2006.
What about VPN?
Network & Computer Services also makes available a Virtual Private Network (VPN) client for download. The VPN client allows end-users to establish an encrypted connection with the USU network by means of security procedures including a tunneling protocol. This is a more secure connection, but also requires more technical expertise to set-up and is not recommended for those just seeking access to the Library's electronic collection.
What about problems with authentication?
In general, because Network & Computer Services maintains the proxy, users will want to work with the Help Desk to solve problems. However, it might be helpful to check the section on Off-Campus Access of the Frequently Asked Questions.
Can I talk to a person about all of this?
Please feel free to contact either the Library Reference Desk at 435-797-2633 or Jennifer Duncan by email at jennifer.duncan@usu.edu or by phone at 435.797.8148. Additionally, if you are a Distance Education student, you may want to try this toll free number: 800-525-7178.
Date last updated: 07/31/06