Off-Campus Access to Library Resources
 What Is Needed for Off-Campus Authentication? |
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| Recommended Browser Configuration |
| Need More Help? |
Who May Access Library Resources from Off-Campus?
The online catalog OPAL, OhioLINK, general information, and some services and resources are freely available to everyone. However, most research databases and electronic journals have access restrictions that require that you be a current Otterbein student, faculty, or staff member.
Alumni and community members may join the Friends of Library to obtain borrowing privileges at all OhioLINK libraries. Members of the Friends of the Library do not receive access to most databases and e-journals from off-campus due to the license agreements with electronic resource vendors. However, community members may use the computers in the Reference area on the 1st floor of the Courtright Memorial Library to access all library resources. See the Friends of the Library page for more information on how to become a Friend.
What Is Needed for Off-Campus Authentication?
Authentication for off-campus access requires:
- Your Otterbein or Otternet
username and password, if you are accessing the databases
from the Otterbein library's home page.
- Your Otterbein username is typically your name as shown in your Otterbein e-mail address (the letters appearing before the @ symbol) and the password you chose when you activated your account.
- An active patron record in the library's patron database if you are
accessing the databases through OhioLINK
Databases.
- When you click on one of the database links, you will be asked to identify your institution, and then you'll be asked for your name and the number that is shown on your Cardinal Card. To get a cardinal card, please visite the Cardinal Card Office at the campus center.
- Internet service and a World Wide Web browser capable of accepting "cookies". Please see "Recommended Browser Configuration" for more information
Preferred Browser to Use With the Library Website and Databases
The library website generally requires a browser with Java and Javascript activated for full functionality.
The preferred browser to use with the Library's website is Internet Explorer, version 5 or above. You may also use Firefox or Mozilla, 1.x or higher; Safari, 1.x or higher and Netscape version 7.x or above. However, some of the resources to which the library provides access do not work properly with any version of the Netscape software. Click below to download the latest version of each browser:
The AOL browser has known problems that prevent it from working properly with some of the library's resources. If you connect using AOL, minimize the AOL browser (do not exit the AOL browser or you will lose your connection), then use a different web browser (preferably Internet Explorer), you should be able to use our restricted resources without difficulty.
Web accelerators
Web accelerators are applications that use various techniques to make web pages load faster or download links, item, or files more quickly. Google Web Accelerator and the Firefox DownThemAll are two common web accelerators. Some other Web accelerator software are provided by some ISPs (NetZero, Roadrunner, and others). However a Web accelerator may prohibit you from connecting to library resources and should be disabled before you use any of the Libraries' electronic resources.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader lets you read full-text articles and materials that
are in PDF format.
Download
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Recommended Browser Configuration
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The recommended browser to use with the Library's website is: Windows browsers: |
Recommended Browser Configuration for Internet Explorer or Netscape:
1. JavaScript must be enabled
- From the browser's menu bar, select Tools.
- Click Internet Options.
- Click the Security tab.
- Click Custom level
- Under Settings, scroll down to Active Scripting.
- Click Enable to select it.
Note: If the radio button is already selected, JavaScript is enabled. - Click OK.
- Click OK.
- From the browser's menu bar, select Edit.
- Click Preferences.
- Click Advanced.
- Click the Enable JavaScript box to select JavaScript.Note: If the box has a checkmark, JavaScript is already enabled.
- Click OK.
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Internet Explorer
5+
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Netscape 7+
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2. Cookies must be enabled
- from the browser's menu bar, select Tools.
- Click Internet Options.
- Click the Security tab.
- Click Custom and then click Custom Level.
- Scroll down to Cookies.
- Click Enable to select "Allow cookies that are stored on your computer"
- Click Enable to select "Allow per-cookies (not stored)" Note: If the radio button is already selected, Cookies are enabled.
- Click OK.
- Click Yes.
- Click OK.
- from the browser's menu bar, select Tools.
- Click Internet Options.
- Click the Privacy tab.
- Click Advanced.
- Make sure the "Override Automatic Cookie Handling" is checked. Also, make sure that "First-Party Cookies" and "Third-Party Cookies" are checked for "Accept." Lastly, make sure that "Always allow session cookies" is checked.
- Click OK.
- Click OK.
- Select "Preferences" on the "Edit" menu.
- Click the arrow next to "Privacy & Security."
- Select "Cookies."
- Choose "Enable all cookies."
- Click "OK"
- From the browser's menu bar, select Tools.
- Click Internet Options.
- Click the Security Tab.
- Click the Custom Level button.
- Scroll down to java permissions.
- Select any option other than "Disable Java".
Note: If the "Disable Java" box is not checked, Java is already enabled. - Click OK.
- Click OK.
- From the browser's menu bar, select Edit.
- Click Preferences
- Click Advanced.
- Click the Enable Java box.
Note: If the box has a checkmark, Java is already enabled. exit. - Click OK.
- You may need to reboot your PC
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Internet Explorer
5+
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Netscape 7+
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6.x
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7.x
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3. Java is recommended to be enabled
For some databases, you need to enable SSL (Secure Socket Layer) too. It is usually enabled by default. Note that SSL must be enabled to ensure the security of your data.
To be able to use all features of the library's resources, you need to disable Pop-up Blockers.
If you have trouble connecting from home, try the student help line 823-1060. Faculty & staff should use the x1747 help line. Other connection-related questions & answers are on the Information Technology's Network Frequent Questions.
If after reading this page and you still have any questions about accessing any of the library services from off campus, Ask a Librarian.