EZproxy

What browsers are supported?

EZproxy is browser independent, i.e., any browser (Other than AOL) should work with EZproxy.  A current browser should be more reliable.

What do I have to do to use EZproxy?

EZproxy should require no configuration on the user's part.  When you click on a link to an online library resource, EZproxy checks whether your computer is on campus or off.  

• If you are on campus, you should bypass EZproxy and be sent directly to the resource.  There are certain buildings on campus that are behind private IP addresses and that makes the proxy think you are off campus and you will have to login.  
• If you are off campus, you will be required to login with the last 4 numbers of your 9 digit USCID and your last name, then be sent to the resource.  

When I login my name and password don't work.  What's wrong?

You must be a current USC Columbia student, faculty or staff to use the library's electronic resources. If you believe you are a registered USC Columbia student, faculty or staff and that you are typing your ID correctly and still can't login:

• Be sure that CAPS LOCK is not on (your last name should be in all lower case).
• You must be a registered USC Columbia student, faculty, or staff.
• Contact the Systems Office if you continue to get a message that your username/password are incorrect.

Should I Enable Cookies and turn off the old Proxy server configuration.

You will need to make sure the browser is accepting cookies and that your browser is not currently configured to use another proxy server. EZproxy doesn't require any browser configuration.

I'm at work and cannot access the databases, why not?

Some corporate, agency, or institutional, dial-up, cable, or broadband connections may automatically configure browsers so their own proxy server is used.  It's possible these automatic settings, if they exist, could interfere with the use of EZproxy.  If these networks have a firewall or preset internet security settings they could interfere with EZproxy.  You will need to talk to your network administrator at your place of business or school.

Things don't function right with my Internet Service Provider (AOL, Prodigy...)

ISPs that use proprietary versions of browsers, such as AOL or Prodigy, can cause some problems for EZproxy.  A simple workaround is to connect to the provider, minimize your session and use your own copy of Netscape or Internet Explorer for accessing the library?s resources instead of their browser.

Another common problem is that during set up of dial-up,  cable, or broadband connections, certain browser settings get configured according to THEIR preferences.   This is another reason to minimize your session and use your own copy of Netscape or Internet explorer when using library resources.

I got a Cookie Error.  What do I do?

Both EZproxy and certain databases send "cookies" when you connect to them to verify, during your session, that you are an authorized user.

If your browser reported an error receiving a "cookie" and it may be currently set to disallow cookies.  EZproxy requires that your browser is set to ENABLE COOKIES.

I got an Hostname error.  What do I do?

You will get a Hostname Error page when you attempt to access a database that has not yet been set up for use by EZproxy.

Database vendors often change domain names, or pull content from new computer hosts without ever informing libraries.  Thus, when a hostname error occurs, EZproxy's configuration must be updated to include the new host for proxying.

To expedite correction of this error, please send the following information to Joshua Garris (jbgarris@mailbox.sc.edu) (or call 777-7168):

• the name of the resource you were trying to access
• the computer hostname line listed on the error page

Why did I get a "404 Error" (File Not Found) page or a "Server not Found or DNS Error" page? 

EZproxy delivers error pages to users for certain common problems.  These will usually have the libraries' header and information relevant to explaining the problem and solution.  

There are a variety of common errors that occur during general surfing of the Internet.  When they occur, the web server (or web browser) sends an error page for you to view - usually without a lot of explanation.  These may or may not be related to EZproxy.  Two common Internet errors are:

• 404 Errors (Page not Found) 
• "Server not Found or DNS Error"

Users may get these errors for a variety of reasons.  

• An incorrect URL, outdated link or a missing page
• Attempting to use the old USC Netscape Proxy Server (or a company or ISP's proxy server) to access resources set up to use EZproxy
• Some aspect of your network is down or very busy

Whenever you get an error page, especially one that doesn't come from EZproxy, it is important you note what the error page says, the URL you were trying to access (and from where) and other relevant information.  

I'm not seeing everything on certain database sites, what's wrong?

Some products require a particular browser or version. In particular, an increasing number of websites are no longer capable of being viewed by older browsers, such as Netscape 4.7 or 4.8 (WebSpirs is an example of one of those sites).   

Why don't certain features or links in the database seem to function when I'm using EZproxy?

The various database vendors use a variety of programming methods on their database web sites.  Some of these methods can make it hard for our server to keep passing information between you and the site.  If certain links or other aspects of the site aren't functioning, there are a few primary possibilities:

• EZproxy's configuration for the database needs to be adjusted If these features function when accessing the resource from on campus (which doesn't use EZproxy), then EZproxy's configuration may have to be adjusted to adapt to the database's particular method  
• Problem is with vendor's site Like any information technology, there are often problems on the vendor's end that lead to problems with the database.  These problems are generally resolved fairly quickly once the vendor is aware of them.  
• Problem is with your browser's ability to handle site's programming Problems could also be due to your browser not working with the programming they use (Java or JavaScript, Active Server pages, etc.)  You browser's settings might be preventing certain functionality, or, sometimes, an error occurs in the browser that can't be resolved until you reboot your computer.  
• Certain content or features are not part of the library's subscription In a few databases, the library's subscription does not provide access to all features or content on a site.  In this case, you may get an error message or login screen - though it may also be that what appear to be links to those features are simply not active.

I'm having trouble with Adobe Acrobat pdf files?

A problem can occur with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 (or higher) interfacing with Adobe Acrobat 4.  Please try the following:

• Open Adobe Acrobat (from your Start --> Program menu)
• Click on File --> Preferences --> General
• Uncheck the box next to Web Browser Integration

Why can I get into some electronic journals without logging in?

Some full text journals are freely available to anyone on the Internet, either for a limited time or permanently. These titles are listed on the electronic journal pages, but they do not require a login. 

Why can't I use The AOL Browser for off campus access? The new  off-campus system uses EZproxy, which will not work with AOL's browser. If you are currently using an AOL browser and want to successfully access the Library's resources from off-campus, please download Netscape Navigator, Mozilla or Microsoft Internet Explorer.  Minimize AOL and open one of these browsers to access the resources at USC.

What can I do when I get a Page Not Found message after I've logged in?

If you see a "Page Not Found" message after you log in. Click on "Back" and try the link again. It should work the second time.

I don't seem to get very complete results with my online database searches.

This is not an access problem.  You can call the Library Reference Desk at 777-4866 for assistance.

I've read everything here and still can't access library resources from off campus, who do I call for help?

For assistance, email or call Joshua Garris (jbgarris@mailbox.sc.edu) (803-777-7168) or the Library Systems office at 803-777-5228.  Monday-Friday 7:30-6:00pm.