Using the databases available through the IUB Libraries, why can't I access some of the resources?
On this page:
- General problems
- Off-campus access
- Difficulties accessing e-resources
- Access to a specific article
- Web browser errors
- Additional information
General problems
If you have trouble accessing the Indiana University Bloomington
Libraries electronic resources, consider the possible reasons
below. If you don't find a solution, send email with information
about your problem, such as what you were trying to do at the time,
the text of any error messages you receive, your operating system
(i.e., Mac OS X or Windows XP), and your web
browser (i.e. Internet Explorer 7.0 or
Firefox), to the Libraries Reference Desk staff at
libref@indiana.edu . Alternatively, you may
submit your questions on the Ask a
Librarian web page.
The Libraries' Getting Connected! web page is also a good source for help with accessing electronic resources.
If you are new to the IUB Libraries, you may wish to consult the resources in Where can I learn how to use the IUB Libraries' electronic research resources?
Off-campus access
If you are using a non-IU Internet service provider, your ability to access some library resources may be affected. For more information, see At IUB and IUPUI, what should I do if I'm having difficulty accessing library resources?
Difficulties accessing e-resources
-
Accessing e-resources via IUCAT:
If you are using IUCAT from off campus and wish to access a particular electronic resource by clicking the link next to "URL:", you may first need to log in at the Welcome to IUCAT page.
If the system will not accept your username and password and you have a valid IU Network ID, see At IUB and IUPUI, what should I do if I'm having difficulty accessing library resources?
-
Important information about access to
e-resources:
The licensing agreement for a particular database may restrict access to on-campus users or workstations. Access is controlled by your computer's IP address. When accessing databases through the Libraries web site, to the left of each database's name, you will see the following icons denoting access levels:

Globe iconGlobe icon: Database available without restriction 
IUB iconIUB icon: Database available to IUB users on campus only 
Key iconKey icon: Database available to authorized IUB users (on or off campus) 
Book iconBook icon: Database available at public workstations in libraries only
Access to a specific article
If you cannot access the full text of an article through a particular database, you have several options. You can search for the journal title (not the title of the article) on the IUB Libraries' Find Information page.
When you find the journal, make sure the description of the coverage of the journal (displayed on the web page with the journal title) includes the month and year of the article you need. To connect, click the title.
You can also search IUCAT to see if you can access the
material in the IU libraries. If you are connecting from outside the
Bloomington campus, log in through the catalog and electronic
resources option.
Consult the Herman B Wells Library Reference Department if you have questions about locating or accessing a particular text. If you are sure you cannot access the material in any other way, you can also try to obtain a copy via Document Delivery Service/Interlibrary Loan. For more information, see the Libraries' Request Materials page.
Web browser errors
You must have cookies enabled in your web browser to access many IUB Libraries electronic resources, to use electronic reserves, and to see all of the options in IUCAT. To enable cookies, please see the "Viewing and Controlling Cookies" section in What are cookies?
Additional information
- In some cases, you will need to have Adobe Reader
installed on your computer. If you are affiliated with IU, you can
download this software from IUware Online. You can also
download this software for free from Adobe's Reader web site.
- For information about the library resources at each IU campus, see At IU, how do I access online library resources?
Also see:
- Where can I learn how to use the IUB Libraries' electronic research resources?
- What is Lexis-Nexis Academic, and how can I access it at IU?
- At IU, how do I access online library resources?
- What is IU-Link, and how do I use it?
Last modified on January 24, 2008.






