Remote Access to Research Databases

How do I log in to the databases?

Always start from the library's home page or database lists to ensure proper authentication.
From off campus, simply select a database from the list of library research databases (as you would if you were on campus). Enter your R@H network ID and password. Your browser will be redirected to the Proxy Authentication Portal, where you will be prompted again for your network ID and password. If this is entered correctly, you will be forwarded to the information resource. You will only need to log on the first time you access a resource, your browser will remember your authentication information until you close the browser.

Can I see a demonstration of this?

Yes. You can follow this link to a Flash animation of the remote login procedure (requires Flash viewer, 1:41 min. 778 kb).

Are there any restrictions?

Access to off campus use is ID-based and is restricted to currently enrolled R@H students and currently employed R@H faculty and staff.

Holders of alumni or guest library ID cards are contractually excluded from remote access to most online periodical indexes and databases. You must continue to come into the library to access the databases.

What if I have questions?

Questions regarding the selection or use of a particular database should be directed to the library by phone at (860) 548-2490 or (800) 433-4723 x2490, or by email to . Questions regarding problems with network accounts should be directed to the Technical & Information Services (TIS) department. You can reach TIS by phone at (860) 548-2400 x3520 or (800) 433-4723 x3520, or by e-mail to . Though library staff can provide some information about your network account we are not able to check the status of your account, we cannot reset your account, nor can we fix problems. Therefore, we encourage you to contact TIS.

How does remote access work?

The electronic resources of the Cole Library are now available to students, faculty, and staff from locations outside the campus through a proxy server. This means that students, faculty, and staff can access most information resources even when they are not working from the Hartford or Groton campus. Members of the Rensselaer community who use other Internet Service Providers (such as AOL or SBC Yahoo), from home or work, or who are traveling will be able to use the new proxy server to gain access to the same information resources they use when on campus. Most publishers of electronic information resources who license these resources to Rensselaer at Hartford require that the users connect to their resource from an IP address (the network address of a particular computer on the network) that is owned by the university. The proxy server simulates connecting through the campus location. The proxy server prompts you for your R@H network ID and password, confirms your affiliation with the university, and relays requests for resources to and from the publisher. And, best of all, this relay is invisible to you.