LIBRARY

For off-campus access to most Alverno Library databases or journal articles in Educator, you will be asked to enter your library barcode number and PIN after you click the link for a database or article. If you haven't already done so, you will need to create a PIN number. For more information about creating and using a PIN, please see PIN Information.

If you experience difficulty accessing databases or journal articles, please refer to the following list of requirements.

• Authentication
  For off-campus use of most Library databases and journal articles, authentication (entering library barcode number and PIN) is required. You should be asked to authenticate only once per session, not each time you access a database.
   
  1. If this is your first time using databases or articles from off-campus and you haven't already set up a PIN number, you'll need to enter your barcode number, leave the PIN blank, then click the "SUBMIT" button. You will be prompted to create a new PIN number. See Tips for Creating a PIN.
  2. If a database is not functioning properly and you have not been asked to authenticate, make sure the database is being accessed from the Library web site or from Educator.
  3. If an error message such as, "Invalid PIN" or “Sorry, cannot locate patron record”, is displayed when you enter your PIN, please refer to PIN Error Messages for help.
  4. If the screen which asks for your barcode and PIN reappears, your browser settings may need to be adjusted as indicated below. If you are attempting to access a journal article from Educator, a way to work around this issue is to highlight and copy the URL from Educator, then paste the URL into the browser address box and press Enter. You will then be prompted to authenticate.


• Browser Settings
  Your browser should be set up as follows:
   
  1. Cookies should be allowed.
  2. The URL for SWITCH, “*.switchinc.org” (without quotes), should be set up as a trusted site (or third-party cookies should be allowed).
  3. Java and JavaScript should be enabled.
  4. Cache should be set to check for a new version of a page each time a page is viewed.
  5. Popup Blockers should be disabled.


• Maximum Users
  Some databases allow only a limited number of users from Alverno to access the database at the same time. If a message such as "maximum users exceeded" displays, try again later.


• America Online (AOL) and Other Browsers from Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  There is an incompatibility between some non-standard browsers (such as AOL, MSN and CompuServe) and some database functions. You can use AOL (or another ISP) to connect to the Internet, but should use a different browser (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox) to access databases.


• Firewall
  If you are using a personal firewall at home, you should configure your firewall to allow access to the URL for the database you wish to access and the URL for SWITCH, “*.switchinc.org” (without quotes). If you are behind a network firewall at your workplace or school, contact your System Administrator or IT department for help.


• Multimedia Databases (Naxos, ARTstor, & Smithsonian Global Sound)
  Some databases that provide information in a multimedia format may have additional technical requirements. These include Naxos Music Library, ARTstor, and Smithsonian Global Sound. See the descriptions for these databases on the Databases A to Z page, if necessary.


• Further Assistance
  For further assistance, call the Alverno College Library Reference Desk at 414-382-6062 or email an Alverno Librarian using Ask A Librarian.

• Return to TOP of page