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Off Campus Access

Quick Fixes

The following tips will fix many of the errors that come up when linking to online library resources.

Please report a problem or contact us for help if these tips fail to resolve the problem.

Did you get an error or hit a paywall?

  1. Access resources through the Library's website, you are authenticated either by logging in with your Mines credentials or by using an on-campus computer or on-campus provided wireless connection. This does not include Mines Wifi but does include Eduroam.
  2. Use the Library Catalog to confirm that we have the online resource.
    • For journal articles, check that the article's volume is part of our subscription.
    • If you aren't able to find the resource in the Library Catalog try adding the proxy prefix to the start of the resource URL
      • Proxy prefix: https://mines.idm.oclc.org/login?url=

Is there an issue with the device you are using to access?

  1. Clear your browser's cache and/or restart your browser
  2. Connect to the Mines VPN
    • This is required for some resources; they'll have the VPN badge on our Databases A-Z list
  3. Update your browser
    • Library online resources are not always compatible with all browsers or versions of browsers. As browsers update frequently, it is always a good idea to check that you are using the latest version of a browser. 
  4. Install Adobe Acrobat Reader
    • Some resources require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a free and trusted standard for viewing, printing, and annotating PDFs.
  5. Enable Cookies and JavaScript
    • If pages don't display correctly, verify that cookies and JavaScript are enabled in your browser

Is this an issue related to your Mines account?

  1. Try accessing another library database. Can you get into one database but not another? This can help determine if there is a problem with your account or with a particular database.
  2. Try accessing it on another device to confirm if the issue is local to your device or perhaps related to your account.
  3. Are you trying to login to the library catalog and receiving the message ""The login process has failed. Please refer to the Library for Assistance." If so, submit a help ticket with your full name, Mines email, and CWID. 
  4. If you believe there is an issue with your account, contact ITS

Still having issues?

If you are still having issues we recommend these next steps:

  1. Request the resource through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) while reporting the issue
  2. Take a screenshot of any errors and submit a help ticket
  3. Continue to troubleshoot access by utilizing one of our Tools
Help | Off Campus?