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 my browser in order to use EZproxy?
No. With our older method of accessing the proxy servers, you did need to configure your web browser in a particular way. Now all you need to do is 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 Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, when you try to access a library resource.
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 contact us 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 a distance learning student," or "I am a new faculty member").
I'm an Evergreen student, and I can't seem to access resources when I'm off campus. Can I fix this?
Students who are enrolled through the Evergreen program are only able to remotely access library resources if they are first connected to the VPN. For help connecting to the BU VPN, please see our Using the VPN page.
I used to be able to access a database and now I can't. How can I regain access?
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, your access privileges may need to be renewed. Please contact us for help and include 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?
You shouldn't need to use the VPN to access resources remotely, unless you are an Evergreen student. For most people, the VPN is neutral in terms of library resources although it is still a useful tool for unrelated things - such as remote access to departmental servers and remote access to FileMaker databases. (Note: Students who are enrolled through the Evergreen program are only able to remotely access library resources if they are first connected to the VPN. For help connecting to the BU VPN, please see our Using the VPN page.)
I am being prompted for a login/password, but not by BU's standard Shibboleth Authentication page. Why?
If you see this, there are two likely reasons:
- 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. 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.
- 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.
I am unable to sign in using my BU Login and Kerberos password. What is wrong?
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. If it is a browser issue, you will likely notice this problem with other BU Web Login resources (such as The Link).
To help narrow down the possibilities, you should try using a different browser. For example, if you were using Chrome, 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. For more information, please see our troubleshooting page. If that still does not resolve the issue, please contact us for more assistance.
I am having trouble accessing library resources. How can I resolve this issue?
If you are starting your database or ejournal search from a page you have bookmarked, this could be causing the problem. Please try starting your search from the main library page. You can also try clearing the cache on your browser.
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 email.
I'm a Distance Learning student, and I can't find the database I need. How are the databases organized?
Several of the databases are listed by subject. For example, if you are a music student, go to Finding Articles using Databases, look under "Find Databases by Subject," and select "Music."
From the music databases page, select the Grove Music database. You will then be prompted for your BU login name and Kerberos password.
I am experiencing a disruption in EZproxy service. Why?
IS&T has a routine maintenance window established for the EZproxy server on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between the hours of 2am and 6am Eastern Time. During this time the server could be rebooted, and you might notice a disruption in service or be prompted to login again; however, we expect this to be a rare event.
If you are experiencing service problems at any other time, try logging in again or restarting your browser. If you are still experiencing problems, please contact us for further assistance.
Will EZproxy affect my course sites or other documentation?
EZproxy may affect information provided on personal websites or course 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 EZproxy. Please see our related page for more information.
Didn't find your answer here?
If you have any further questions regarding EZproxy, please contact us.