FAQs About Off-Campus Access

(REMOTE access to CUNY's JOURNALS AND reFeRENCE databases)

In July 2006, the Office of Library Services implemented a new authentication server that uses an application called EZproxy by OCLC. EZproxy provides off-campus access to the CUNY-wide E-Resources.

Access:

Q: I get the message "Database access is denied". What are possible reasons for this?
Q: I used to use my social security number for authentication, but it doesn't work any longer. Why?
Q: When is home access available?
Q: What kind of browser do I need?

Barcodes:

Q: I don't know if I have a barcode on my ID card. What should it look like?

Proxy Service:
Q: I have a proxy account from my school. Should I use the CUNY-wide resources?
Q: Where can I find more information on proxy service and/or remote access from my school?

Tech Support:
Q: I sent a message to OLS support because I experienced a problem. How long will it take to get an answer?

Other:
Q: What happened to the database I used to use?

ACCESS

Q: I get a message that "database access is denied". What are possible reasons for this?

1) CUNY electronic resources are only available to current CUNY students, faculty and staff.

2) It's possible that you made a typo or entered your barcode with spaces.

3) Off-campus access will not work for barcodes that have fines or blocks associated with their borrower accounts. Visit your library's circulation desk for more information and to pay fines. You can also check your fines or blocks by logging on to My Account in CUNY+.

4) You may have tried to use your secondary, instead of your primary, barcode. When you register as a borrower with a CUNY Library for the first time you obtain your "primary" barcode. If you obtain additional barcodes from other schools, they are added to your borrower account in the library system as "secondary" barcodes. For help in finding your primary barcode, contact your library's circulation desk or send a message to help.desk@mail.cuny.edu (make sure to include the non-working barcode number in your message).

Q: I used to use my social security number for authentication, but it doesn't work any longer. Why?

Although the old authentication system (RPA) allowed the use of the social security number, many users expressed concerns related to privacy issues. The new system does not allow the use of this number. If you need a barcode, please visit your library's circulation desk and obtain a primary barcode.

Q: When is home access available?

Home access should be available 24/7. If you encounter difficulties using the system, try again after about 15 minutes.

Q: What kind of browser do I need?

Browser requirements may vary from provider to provider. As a general rule, you should run either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape and you should upgrade your browser to the most recent version. If you prefer another browser, by all means give it a try. If it doesn't work, check the browser requirements listed below. You may have to install MSIE or Netscape.

 

Some database providers publish their browser and other system requirements, such as the following:

Make sure your browser is set to accept cookies and that it can execute javascripts.


BARCODES

Q: I don't know if I have a barcode on my ID card. What should it look like?

It is 14 digits long, for example: "2 2635 00039 9974". It must be entered without spaces.


PROXY SERVICE

Q: I have a proxy account from my school. Should I use the CUNY-wide resources?

If you are using a proxy account from your college, you should use the resource links on your college's website, because your college may provide you with additional resources that aren't available university-wide. Of course, you can always use the list of CUNY-wide links as a back-up.

Q: Where can I find more information on proxy service and/or remote access from my school?

If you need help with proxy account service from your school, the following links may be helpful:

TECH SUPPORT

Q: I sent a message to OLS support because I experienced a problem. How long will it take to get an answer?

We try to answer these reports within 24 to 36 hours. Problems that are sent on a Friday will be answered on Monday.

Be sure to include the following information in your message:

  • Name(s) of database(s) you tried to access
  • Your library barcode
  • Date and time of access attempt
  • Any error messages that you might see in your browser.
Send e-mail to:
help.desk@mail.cuny.edu

OTHER

Q: What happened to the database I used to use?

Click here to see recent changes to CUNY-wide offerings.

Contact Us

Office of Library Services
205 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
646-664-8061