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   Library # # Connecting Off-Campus # # Complete Guide

Guide for Off-Campus Access to Library-Licensed Databases and E-Journals

While the UF Libraries' Catalog and a number of other resources available on the library Web site at http://www.uflib.ufl.edu are freely available to anyone connected to the Internet, most research databases and E-Journals are governed by licenses which limit access to these from outside the Libraries to current UF students, faculty, and staff.

Each time you want to access library-licensed resources from off campus, you must connect through the UF in one of the several ways described below. To prepare for verifying your current UF affiliation, you must do the following in advance:

Find your Internet connection situation from the 3 charted below to see setup instructions and options.
  1. At Home or Other Non-UF Workstation -- Using ANYTHING other than dialing GatorLink
  2. At Home or Other Non-UF Workstation -- Dialing through GatorLink
  3. At a Networked UF Workstation (In campus offices, dorms, at IFAS Centers, etc.)
Situation Connection Setup and Options
1

  Off Campus

Using ANYTHING other than dialing GatorLink
Whether dialing up by modem, connecting through a high-speed option like cable modem, DSL, or Ethernet (e.g. from some Gainesville apartment complexes), you have several ways to connect:
Library Proxy   --  Logon Now
This is a special computer on the UF campus that you may connect through by verifying your current UF affiliation. Once connected, all your internet traffic then passes through this computer (which is recognized as a valid UF computer by library database providers) until you end your proxy session.

  • This is the easiest way to connect from off campus when you are not dialing up to UF using your Gator link account. Simply go to the UF Libraries' Home Page and select "Remote Logon" Upper right corner of most screens); you may then easily log on using either your 14-digit library number (must be activated) or your GatorLink userid/password.
  • After logon you must navigate using only links on Web pages. To remain connected through the proxy during a session, you may not use the browser "Home" button, type a URL, or use any favorites/bookmarks. Note other instructions on the logon screens.
  • This approach should work with most Internet Service Providers (including AOL).
  • It will NOT work with the WebCT system. Use the UF VPN instead.

 

UF VPN (Virtual Private Network) Service
This very effective approach requires your GatorLink account to download setup software, as well as to log on each time you wish to network through the UF campus (needed for licensed library database access). See the VPN Web site link <http://net-services.ufl.edu/provided_services/vpn/> below. The UF Computing Help Desk at 392-HELP or <http://helpdesk.circa.ufl.edu/> (see link below) can assist with setting up this approach.
2

  Off Campus

Dialing up to GatorLink

Free access ended 7/1/2006
Read UF Announcement

When you dial up to UF for Internet access using your GatorLink account, you should automatically have access to most licensed library Web databases. While this will often be an excellent way to gain access to library resources, keep in mind the following limitations:
  • If you are dialing long-distance, there will be telephone charges
  • Your GatorLink account includes a basic amount of free connect time each month; then charges accrue. See details at <http://help.gatorlink.ufl.edu/acctinfo.html>
  • Access is only through a 56K modem connection; faster options are available.
Getting Set Up for Access Using GatorLink
After setting up your free GatorLink account (see above), telecommunication software is available on the UF software CD (which you can purchase from the Technology Hub) or by downloading from the UF Software site at <http://www.software.ufl.edu/>. Call (352) 392-HELP (UF Computing Help Desk) for more information and assistance in getting set up. 

Phone Numbers/Settings for Dialing Up to GatorLink
    955-0056      Settings: N-8-1    Baud Rate: 56kbps
    Other Dial-Up Numbers (1-800 and ISDN/MPPP) available at <http://help.gatorlink.ufl.edu/dialup.html>

3

  At a Networked UF Computer

(In campus offices, dorms, at IFAS Centers, etc.)
Normally you should be able to access the UF Libraries' licensed Web resources automatically. 

If you find that you are unable to connect directly, it may be due to the way your local network access has been set up by your network administrator; check with your IT staff. Fortunately you have other options (described below) to try; these will require verifying your current UF affiliation.


 
Where to Get Help Searching Library Databases, etc.

Visit an appropriate campus library for assistance; library hours are available as a link on the UF Libraries' Home Page <http://www.uflib.ufl.edu> (select "Hours"). You may also select "Ask A Librarian" to "chat" with a librarian online, telephone to speak with reference/information or subject specialist staff, report database access problems, etc.

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