Library - Remote Access

Page address: http://lib.mnsu.edu/research/proxy.html

... > Journals > Remote

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NOTE: If you are dialing in directly to the MSU dialin server or are in a campus office, YOU CAN ACCESS THE LIBRARY'S ELECTRONIC RESOURCES DIRECTLY THROUGH YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION .

If your connection to the Internet is from the MSU Residence Halls or from another internet service provider and you want to access the databases available from the MSU Library, you can use the Proxy Server or set-up the Virtual Private Network.

Virtual Private Network
"MSU's VPN server provides two main functions:

  • Security: Provides a secure, encrypted connection between your computer and the campus network * important for wireless and Internet users.
  • Virtual Network: Logically makes your computer appear to be on campus."

Therefore, you can use the Virtual Private Network to use the library's electronic resources from the Residence Halls and off-campus locations. Please contact the ITS Help Desk (507-389-6654) with any questions about the campus VPN.

Using MSU Proxy Server to Access Electronic Resources

Contracts with our database vendors require us to restrict access to faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students of Minnesota State University, Mankato. When on campus, connections to subscription resources are automatic. Off campus access requires login through a proxy server. By using the proxy server, your browser becomes part of the Minnesota State University network, regardless of your location. When you attempt to access a library resource from off campus, the proxy server responds with a login window and you will be prompted to log in with your Mav username and password.

The proxy server - is browser independent, i.e., any browser should work with EZproxy. However, if you are having problems that are not related to login information, please try a different browser.

Troubleshooting Remote Access to Library Resources

If you have been unsuccessful connecting to library resources, please review our troubleshooting suggestions below.

Try logging into MavMail at http://mavmail.mnsu.edu/. When prompted to log in, enter:

  • Mav Username
  • Mav Password

If your username and password do not work for MavMail, you can try re-setting your password at https://www.mnsu.edu/its/userid/.

If this does not work, verify that you are a currently enrolled student, faculty, or staff member. Call the MSU helpdesk at (507)389-6654 to verify your status.


JavaScript and cookies must be enabled in your browser to access Library databases.


Check Browser Settings



To see if you have JavaScript enabled, click on this button.

  • If it is enabled, a message box will appear that says "You have JavaScript enabled and can properly use this website!"
  • If it is not enabled, no message box will appear. To use this site properly, you will need to enable JavaScripting on your browser.



How to Enable Javascript

  • Internet Explorer : Go to Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level. Under Scripting, select Enable for all.
  • Netscape 4.x : Go to Edit, Preferences, Advanced. Select Enable Javascript.
  • Netscape 7.x : Go to Edit, Preferences, Advanced. Select Enable Javascript for Navigator.
  • Firefox: Go to Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custome Level. Under Scripting, select Enable for all.


To see if you have cookies enabled, click on this button.

  • If it is enabled, a message box will appear that says "You have cookies enabled and can properly use this website!"
  • If it is not enabled, a message box will appear that says "Cookies ARE NOT currently enabled! Please read below on this page for information on how to enable cookies." To use this site properly, you will need to enable cookies on your browser.
    • Note: JavaScripting must be enabled to use the Cookie Test.

 

How to Enable Browser Cookies

Cookies Enabled is a default setting in both Internet Explorer, Netscape and Firefox. If your cookies are disabled, follow these steps to enable your browser cookies:

  • Internet Explorer 5.x - go to Tools, Internet Options, the Security Tab, click the Custom button and scroll about 1/3 of the way down to see the options for Cookies, and make sure both of the options have 'enabled' checked.
     
  • Internet Explorer 6.x - go to Tools, Internet Options, and click on the Privacy Tab. Here you can change your settings for accepting or blocking cookies.
      
  • Netscape 4.x - click Edit, then Preferences, then click the Advanced button, in the bottom half of the screen, make sure 'Accept all cookies' is selected.
      
  • Netscape 6.x - click Edit, then Preferences, then expand the Privacy & Security button by clicking on the arrow to the left, click Cookies and make sure 'Enable all cookies' is selected.
      
  • Firefox 1.5 - click Tools, then Options, then Privacy tab. Put check mark in Allow sites to set Cookies. Click OK

 


If you need help

For questions about the MSU Proxy Server, please contact: MSU Library Systems, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at (507) 389-2476 or via e-mail to Library Systems.

For questions about searching the databases, please contact: MSU Library Reference Desk, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 9:00 p.m at (507) 389-5958. You can also send e-mail to askref@mnsu.edu.

For questions about your Library barcode, please contact: MSU Library Circulation Services, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 11:45 p.m, Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. at (507) 389-5064 or come to the Circulation Desk at the entrance of the Library any time the building is open.

For information on what resources are available see Off-campus access to library resources.