Authentication and access to electronic resources

Access to electronic resources, such as databases, electronic journals and electronic books subscribed to by the University of Wollongong is restricted to use by Wollongong students and staff.

Authentication
Most sites rely on IP authentication to control access. Every computer linked to the internet has an IP number and the Library registers IP ranges for computers on University campuses with electronic resources vendors. Users coming from a campus IP address are allowed access to the database but those using computers with an IP number that is not registered are refused access. This restricts access to users on campus only.

The Library uses software called EZproxy to authorise remote users. EZproxy is a utility that enables access to sites requiring IP authentication by authorised off-campus users. It serves as an on-campus intermediary and provides a valid IP address; passing information between off-campus users and restricted online resources.

EZproxy authenticates users as Wollongong University students, or staff by requiring that they login. The login used is your UOW email username and password.

It is necessary to login at the start of each search session but not for each link. A time-out operates, so you may sometimes be asked to authenticate later in the session as well.

Library Resources and Internet Quota
The Library believes that internet access through web browsers is a highly effective method of providing access to electronic resources. We also recognise that our decision to provide resources in electronic format rather than print should not have an impact on student Internet quota. Traffic going through EZproxy has been excluded from the quota. This is the main reason for providing access to electronic resources through EZproxy for all users rather than just those who are off campus.

Email Account
You need to contact ITS for information about email accounts

Trouble Shooting and configuring browsers
If your browser has proxy settings in operation these may interfere with EZproxy. If so, you will need to connect directly to the Internet.

In Netscape, click on the Edit menu, then Preferences, then the + sign next to Advanced, then Proxies. Select Direct Connection to the Internet. Then click OK.

In Internet Explorer, click on the Tools menu, then on Internet Options, then on the Connection tab. Click on the tick that is next to Access the Intenet using a proxy server so that this is no longer selected, click OK.

Some sites still require passwords
Not all database vendors use IP authentication, so in some instances passwords are still required. Passwords may be available as an alternative for users with problems using EZproxy or when EZproxy is not working.

There is usually information in the various guides if password access is available for a particular resource or check the passwords handout.

EZproxy in the work environment
You may have to talk to the IT staff there. Use of firewalls or proxy servers set up at that site may be interfering with the operation of EZproxy.

As part of their normal operation, your institution may be blocking access to certain sites or not allowing access through certain ports. Use of EZproxy requires that access to port 2048 and port 80 be enabled.

Sometimes browsers may be set up not to accept cookies or be configured to use a local proxy server. Talk to your IT staff in the first instance.