PCSC

 

    frequently asked questions

    EZproxy answers:

    If you have additional questions about our proxy service, or if you have any trouble getting to a specific article or database/journal, please review the following information:

    Do I need to configure anything special in my browser?
    Why am I not authorized to access a database?
    I used to be able to access library resources and now I can't
    Do I need to use the VPN? Will it help if I do?
    I am prompted for a login/password (but not by BU's standard Web Login)
    Are you having an issue related to Web Login (such as an endless login loop)? Have you cleared your cache?
    Are you starting from a Bookmark? Have you cleared your cache?
    What is the BU login name and Kerberos password?
    Can't view or print a PDF file?
    Is it a Tuesday between 5-7 a.m. EST?
    Especially for faculty: Modifying resources like CourseInfo/WebCT
    How to clear proxy configuration settings that are leftover from pre-EZproxy

    Do I need to configure anything special in my browser?
    No. With our older method of accessing the proxy servers, you did need to configure your Web browser in a particular way. You no longer need to do that (although if you have done that configuration already, it won't hurt anything). You do need to make sure that you have cookies enabled (they will be, unless you have deliberately turned them off) and that you are using a supported browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox (and not AOL), when you try to access a library resource. If you suspect that you are having a browser-related problem when accessing a resource, please see the PCSC's browser troubleshooting page.

    Why am I not authorized to access a database?
    If you get an error message indicating that you do not have access to a particular database, it could be because of a limitation on your group privileges. If you believe that you actually should be member of the authorized group, please write to ezproxy-help@bu.edu with information on which resource you are trying to access and where you are physically located (e.g. office on Charles River campus, at Mugar Library, at home, etc.) when you experience the problem. You should also include information about your current affiliation with the university (e.g. "I am enrolled in a class this semester through the Evergreen program.," "I am a distance-learning student.," or "I am a new faculty member.")

    I used to be able to get into a database and now I can't.
    This is likely a variation on the previous question. If, for example, you used to take a class at BU but left for a while (e.g. Evergreen students) or you are an alum who is returning to do a new program, you could find that your access privileges need to renewed. You can look into this possibility by calling the IT Front Office at 617-353-2780, or write to ezproxy-help@bu.edu. If you write, please send details about your current affiliation with the university (e.g. "I am enrolled in a class this semester through the Evergreen program." or "I graduated last year but now I'm back doing a master's.")

    Do I need to use the VPN? Will it help if I do?
    No, you don't need to use the VPN. If your user affiliation makes you eligible to use the VPN, the VPN will make it look as if you are on the BU network, and that could be helpful in accessing some resources. However, for the most part, the VPN is neutral in terms of library resources (although it is still a useful tool for unrelated things - such as BU wireless, access to departmental servers, and remote access to FileMaker databases).

    I am prompted for a login/password (but not by BU's standard Web Login)
    If you see this type of error, there are two likely reasons:

    A) You are following a link from a courseware page, Google Scholar, your syllabus, or a Web search; or you are typing in the direct URL to the database (e.g JSTOR.com). In order for EZproxy to work, you need to be starting at a library page (see lists). If you have a direct link to an article or database from a course page or syllabus that is not working, you should see our related page about how to get the URL to go through EZproxy.

    B) The other possible problem is that there is a limit to the number of simultaneous users on the database to which you are connecting. If you are able to access other library databases, if you get a "too many simultaneous users" error message, or if you have successfully accessed the database before, too many users is the most likely problem. Wait a few minutes and try to connect again. If you still have problems, please contact us at
    ezproxy-help@bu.edu.

    Are you having an issue related to Web Login?
    It's possible that you are having an issue with your Web browser as it relates to BU's Web Login, or that something else is disrupting your use of EZproxy (such as a firewall, spyware, or proxy settings from another organization).

    As a start, you should try clearing the cache on your browser, as described at: www.bu.edu/webcentral/learning/vista/howto/clearbrowser/index.html.

    If that doesn't resolve the problem, please see the PCSC's related page. If it is a browser issue, you will likely notice this problem with other BU Web Login resources (such as The Link or Web-based mail/Horde).

    To help narrow down the possibilities, you should try using a different browser. For example, if you were using IE, try with Firefox. This test will help determine whether or not the issue corresponds to the browser itself, or to something else (such as spyware, firewall, or your ISP) or to something non-technical. After you have reviewed our troubleshooting page, please feel free to contact the PCSC with any remaining technical questions that relate to your use of BU's Web Login applications.

    Are you starting from a Bookmark? Have you cleared your cache?
    Are you starting your database or ejournal search from a page you have Bookmarked? Please try starting your search from the main library page at www.bu.edu/library.

    If that doesn't help, try clearing the cache on your browser, as described at:
    www.bu.edu/webcentral/learning/vista/howto/clearbrowser/index.html.

    What is the BU login name and Kerberos password?
    If this is your first time using a Web Login application, the information that it's prompting you for is the BU login name and Kerberos password. This is the same username and password combination you will use for the vast majority of things at BU, including access to e-mail. If you do not have a BU login name and Kerberos password, you should contact the IT Front Office.

    Can't view or print a PDF file?
    For information on use of PDF files, please see the PCSC's related page.

    Is it a Tuesday between 5-7 a.m. EST?
    The Office of Information Technology has established this maintenance window for the EZproxy server during which time the server could be rebooted. During this window of time, you might notice a disruption in service, or be prompted to login again, but we expect this to be a rare event.

    If you experience any problems that are not resolved by logging in again, another solution is to quit the browser, wait a few minutes, and then restart the browser.  

    Especially for faculty:
    Modifying resources like CourseInfo/WebCT or other documentation
    The implementation of the EZproxy service may affect information provided on personal Web sites or CourseInfo/WebCT sites, particularly by faculty who provide those resources for students. If Web pages, or other documents, have links to online journal articles or other resources licensed by the libraries, those links will need to be modified in order to work with the new EZproxy service. Please see our related page for more information.

    How to clear proxy configuration settings that are leftover from pre-EZproxy:
    This isn't a necessary step for use of EZproxy. We are simply providing this information for people who are no longer affiliated with BU but are hindered in some way by the presence of old BU proxy settings in their browser.

    Removing old BU proxy settings in...