Tips for Accessing Library Resources from Outside the Library

A VUnet ID is necessary

Users who want to access restricted library resources (like many library databases and electronic journals) will need to have a VUnet ID and e-password when trying to connect outside of Vanderbilt's computer network. Only current Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff are eligible for a VUnet ID

• Authorize your VUnet ID.

Questions?  Contact ITS

I've got a working VUnet ID, but I'm still having problems

The recommended software and settings for using restricted library resources are listed in the box below, alongside the software and settings on the computer that you're using. Check to make sure they're similar. If they're not, make the necessary changes. If you can't see this box, make sure JavaScript is enabled.

if you're still having trouble  

Recommended Configurations:

• Browsers Version 5.0 or higher of Microsoft Internet Explorer or version 1.0 or higher of Firefox
  
  
• JavaScript must be enabled
  
  
• Cookies must be enabled
  
  
• Java is recommended to be enabled
  
  
• Color configuration and screen resolution 16-million, true color, or 256 colors with a minimum 800 x 600 minimum resolution

Browsers

We strongly recommend using version 7.0 of Microsoft Internet Explorer or version 2.0 of Firefox or higher because our site works best with these browsers. Keep in mind that the newer versions of browsers not only have newer features, but they also often fix bugs, especially those dealing with Internet security.

Preferred secure browsers:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher for Windows (get latest PC IE browser)

Firefox 1.05 or higher (get latest Firefox browser)

Mozilla 1.7 or higher (get latest Mozilla browser)

Safari 1.2 (or higher) for Macintosh (get latest Safari browser)

JavaScript

You must use a browser that supports JavaScript and have JavaScript enabled.

In order to enable JavaScript in Firefox 1.5:

1. Select Tools->Options
2. Select "Content" from the top menu bar.
   
3. Click the "Enable JavaScript" checkbox.
   

In Internet Explorer 6 and 7:

1. Select Tools->Internet Options.
   
2. Go to the "Security" tab and click the "Custom Level" button.
   
3. Scroll down the list to "Scripting".
   
4. Under "Active Scripting", select "Enable".
   
   

Cookies

Many of the Research Databases use cookies. You will need to have them enabled to use the Research Databases.

 

To check in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, 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.

Java

Some Research Databases use Java, therefore you might be required to have Java enabled to use those Research Databases. Below are instructions for enabling Java.

Enable Java in Firefox:

1. Select Tools->Options
   
   
2. Select "Content" from the top menu bar.
   
   
3. Click the "Enable Java" checkbox.
   
   

    

Enable Java for Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. From the browser's menu bar, select Tools.
   
   
2. Click Internet Options.
   
   
3. Click the Security Tab.
   
   
4. Click the Custom Level button.
   
   
5. Scroll down to java permissions.
   
   
6. Select any option other than "Disable Java".
   Note: If the "Disable Java" box is not checked, Java is already enabled, complete step 9 to exit.
   
   
7. Click OK.
   
   
8. Click Yes.
   
   
9. Click OK.

Color configuration and screen resolution

The site looks best on a screen which displays at least 256 colors (16 million or true color are better) and has a resolution of at least 800x600. An 800x600 resolution will minimize scrolling and make the screen easier to read.