San Antonio College Library & Media Services Off-Campus Database Access: FAQ

To ensure that only authorized people access the subscription databases, you need to "authenticate" yourself to the proxy service. You will need your Social Security Number, which acts as your User Name, and your PIN, which is your Password. Your PIN is the two digits of your birth month and the last two digits of your birth year. For example, if you were born in March of 1984, your PIN would be 0384. However, if your ever changed your PIN, such as during registration, you must use the number you changed it to.

What are the minimum requirements to access the databases with my home computer?

Any currently available browser will work. We strongly encourage users to use the most current version of their favorite browser.

Can I access the databases from behind a firewall?

Probably not. A firewall is designed to restrict access. Many companies have firewalls to prevent outsiders from accessing their intranet. Some ISPs also make use of firewalls. You can even have a personal firewall and it is probably recommended you do if you access through a cable modem or DSL. If youhave a personal firewall you may be able to change the settings to allow access to the databases. Don't forget to change them back after you have finished.

What kind of resources do I have access to?

In general, any electronic resources licensed by the San Antonio College Library & Media Services Department are available. This includes resources from TexShare. Please note: only web-based resources are available through the proxy service.

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Browser Configuration

How do I configure my browser to access the databases?

No configuration is required. If you use a proprietary service, such as AOL, MSN, Prodigy, etc., you will not be able to access the databases using the browser that came with the service.

How do I find out what browser version I have?

In the browser's menu bar, click on Help and then select About. This will bring up a screen that will tell you what version you are running.

Where do I obtain a copy of a supported browser?

All current browsers are supported. These include Mozilla (complete suite) or Firefox (browser only), Internet Explorer, and Opera. Browsers on the Mac are also supported.

If two people share one computer, would the other person be able to access the databases too?

Only if the other user is also a current San Antonio College faculty, student, or staff member. Just make sure that you close or exit your browser when you're finished. If you don't, the other person will be able to access licensed materials logged in as you.

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Accessing the Databases

When I try to access a website, I get prompted for a User Name and Password. What do I use?

Your User Name is your Social Security Number without the dashes.
Your Password is your PIN, normally your birth month and year. However, if you changed it for any reason, use whatever you changed it to.

If I have AOL or MSN, will I still be able to access the databases?

Yes. However, AOL and MSN use a proprietary browser that is not able to use the proxy service. You must download a browser version that has not been modified.

If I've already installed the browser that came with my @Home or RoadRunner service, why do I still need to download a new copy?

@Home or RoadRunner supplies you with a proprietary browser that is configured automatically to use their proxy service. You might try downloading a new version of your browser to eliminate this problem. If you are using Internet Explorer 6.x and still cannot connect after setting up the browser, check your security settings. Click on Tools -> Internet Options -> Security and click on Default Level, or click on Custom Level and reset to Medium or lower.

How do I find out if a resource can be accessed?

Which resources are unavailable?

Resources which may be accessed only at the Library & Media Services reference area, such as resources on the LAN.

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Problems Accessing The Databases

I use Internet Explorer and nothing happens after I log in. Why?

Internet Explorer handles cookies in a different way than previously. All cookies be enabled to use the databases. Select Tools -> Internet Options -> Privacy -> Advanced and make sure of the following: Override automatic Cookie Handling = checked, First Party Cookies = "Accept", Third Party Cookies = "Accept", and Always Allow session Cookies = checked. If you still are not able to access the databases, check on the Privacy Tab and make sure the setting is on "low."

My User Name and Password doesn't seem to work. What do I do?

Authentication usually fails for the following reasons:

Your privileges have expired.
Your User Name and Password are incorrect.
You didn't enter a User Name or a Password.

If you're sure it's a problem with your User Name or Password, you need to go to the Reference Desk located on the Second Floor of the Moody Learning Center or call 733-2477 to determine your status. To report a problem use the Database Access Problem Report Form.

Only current San Antonio College students, faculty, and staff may access the databases from off-campus.

I still get prompted for a User Name and Password. Why?

If you didn't get prompted for a User Name and Password and you are unable to access other licensed materials, you either did not enter the requested information correctly or you are not an authorized user.

If that is not the problem, see the Troubleshooting Checklist.

If you still have problems, send us email by filling out the Problem Report Form.

The website I'm trying to access tells me I'm not authorized to use it. Why?

If that is not the problem, see the Troubleshooting Checklist.

If you still have problems, send us email by filling out the Problem Report Form.

Also see the Troubleshooting Checklist.

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Last update 06/22/2004. webmaster@hermes.sac.accd.edu