Frequently Asked Questions: Log In From Off Campus

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Choose from the following questions:

How do I log in to use the research databases from off campus?

  • Follow the instructions on the Online Databases Off Campus Access page (http://www.alliant.edu/library/libdatabasesoff.htm).
  • Click on the database you would like to search.
  • Enter your name (firstname lastname). If the system does not accept your name, try typing in your last name only.
  • Enter the 14-digit barcode from the back of your current AIU ID or library card. Enter the 14-digit barcode without spaces or hyphens.

AIU Library is happy to announce that you no longer need to change a few settings on your Internet browser when you access the online databases off campus. If you still have problems, contact your home library.

I've entered in my name, but it doesn’t seem to work.

Have you changed your name since the card was issued? If so, contact your local AIU library to determine how your name has been entered into the system.

How do I get a barcode for the back of my ID/library card?

Come in to your local AIU library and have the library staff enter your name into the system and give you a barcode. If you are too far to drive, call and they can enter you into the system over the phone. You can ask them to mail you the physical barcode.

How do I get an ID/library card?

Contact your local library for details. San Diego patrons can obtain theirs in San Diego by going to Student Business Services in Building M-18. Patrons at all other campuses can obtain their cards from their local library.

I am an AOL user who is having problems.

    To access through AOL:
  1. Connect to AOL.
  2. Minimize the AOL window.
  3. Launch Netscape or Internet Explorer and use it to connect to the AIU website.

If you need to install Netscape Navigator for AOL:
  • Click here for Netscape's Browser Archive.
  • Be aware that this is not a quick process; give yourself ample time to work this out. Start with 1 hour. Read all the directions first. Perhaps check them off, in pencil, as you do them.

    • To download the Netscape program:
    1. Close all programs running on your computer.
    2. Click on your AOL icon.
    3. Click on Netscape's Browser Archive.
    4. Follow directions.
    5. When the install was done, you can close the whole program.

    When you want to access the Library's databases, log-on to AOL and then go to the Start menu in windows, or to your Netscape Icon, and open the Netscape browser.
The browsers included with AOL's installation discs, as well as those supplied by various other ISPs, are customized versions and do not work well with external proxy settings or with web databases in general.

I am a Cox Cable user who is having problems.

Don't use the built-in Cox.net browser. Login to Cox@Home, and then download, install, and use either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

I am using Comcast and am having problems.

If the authentication page won't load, set Parental Controls to Adult.

It says my validation has expired.

If you are using Internet Explorer and a message says that validation has expired, call your local library and see if your account has expired. If it has not expired, then disable Content Advisor (Tools, Internet Options, Content. If Settings is greyed out, Content Advisor is not enabled) Enable the Content Advisor when you are finished.

One database won't connect when other databases do.

Some databases have a second window which pops up. Turn off pop-up blocker for this one session. Or, use this suggestion from a student: If you're running Norton Antivirus, go to Norton Antivirus internet security and turn off its "add blocker." Then the site will come up.

I can't access my library account, the catalog, or the databases.

Turn off Content Advisor if you are using Internet Explorer. (Tools, Internet Options, Content. If Settings is greyed out, Content Advisor is not enabled) Enable the Content Advisor when you are finished.

The system asks for a login or password even after I've typed in my name and 14-digit barcode.

Check that you have enabled cookies (for this session).

For Internet Explorer 6:
Tools
Internet Options
Security (a tab)
Set Security Level to Medium Privacy (tab)
Advanced - make sure box next to "Override automatic cookie handling" is not checked.

For Netscape 7:
Edit
Preferences
Expand Privacy and Security by clicking on > arrow or + before "Privacy"
Cookies
Enable all Cookies - OK
Can also Enable Cookies Based on Privacy Settings
View (tab)
Medium privacy - OK

For Safari and Mac Users:
Go to Preferences and Security. Enable all cookies. Do not enable cookies only from sites you navigate to. (From a student. Thank you!)
If this doesn't work, a few specific journals require a password. Call your local library.

I use Windows XP and have Service Pack 2.

The firewall may conflict with a third party firewall like Norton. If you have problems, disable the third party firewall.

List of library phone numbers.

Click on http://www.alliant.edu/library/staffloc.htm to find a list of library contact information.

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