Off-Campus Databases FAQ

Why does it make a difference whether I try to access a database from on or off campus?
Most of the databases we offer on our web pages charge us an annual subscription fee, and we have to agree to limit use of these databases to "authorized" users. If you're using a computer directly connected to the SR campus network, you are automatically an authorized user. If you're accessing our web pages from off-campus, you are using your own internet service provider (ISP) to access the Internet and to access our web pages, in which case we don't know if you are authorized or not.

To get around this difficulty for off-campus users, we use Remote Patron Authentication (RPA) (see next question).

What is Remote Patron Authentication?
Remote Patron Authentication (RPA) is the process that lets you access many of our subscription databases from off-campus.

RPA starts automatically when you click on a link to one of our databases. You will be asked to supply the ID number from the front of your Simon's Rock I.D. card. When this checks out, you will be redirected to the database you selected.

For help using the databases from off campus, please contact the library: library@simons-rock.edu or phone: 413 528-7370.

Are all databases available from off-campus?
Unfortunately, no. Some database vendors don't allow us to make their databases available from off-campus, either because we subscribe to their databases through a consortium, or for technical reasons (e.g., their system won't work with our system). If you have special needs, please contact the library to discuss options for additional access. library@simons-rock.edu or phone: 413 528-7370.

How can I tell which databases are available from off-campus?
There are two ways:
1. From most Library web pages that provide a link to a database (e.g., the Complete A-Z List, or any of the subject guide pages); under the database name and description you will find information about access (e.g., "Off-campus access with I.D. card." or On-campus access only.")
2. Visit the Off-Campus Databases page, which lists only those databases available from off-campus.

What does "Off-campus access with I.D. number" mean?
It means you will be able to access the database in question from off-campus by entering the I.D. number that appears above your name on the front of your SR I.D. card (this is not the barcode number).

What does "Off-campus access with I.D. number, user name, & password" mean?
Some databases require a special user name and password for off-campus access in addition to your SR ID card number. We will be happy to supply these to you. Ask at the circulation desk in the Library or call us at 413 528-7370.

What does "Requires Simon's Rock ID and password" mean?
Some resources that are available on the Simon's Rock network require you to enter your Simon's Rock e-mail account name assigned by the college, and the password associated with that account. If you need help for this, contact ITS.

What does "Via Bard. Password required for all access" mean?
This means the database in question is only accessed through Bard's Remote Access page. Bard access requires a special username and password, even from on-campus . Ask a library staff member for assistance.

What does "Works best from on-campus" mean?
Our Full-Text Journals search page lets you see our journal holdings — both print and online — from either on-campus or off-campus. However, after you have found a journal title we have access to, you will not be able to connect to the database that indexes the journal from the Full-Text Journals search page unless you are on-campus. Visit the Complete A-Z List page to check the database's availability.

How to Register to Use NetLibrary from Off-Campus
1. Using an on-campus computer, visit the NetLibrary website. (The computer must be on-campus for this to work.)
2. Click on Create a Free Account.
3. Fill out the required fields. You can create any username/password combination you want. Click on Create Account.
That's it! Now you can access NetLibrary from anywhere by logging in with the username and password you just created.

How to Register to Use the ArtStor OffLine Viewer from Off-Campus
1. Using an on-campus computer, visit the ArtStor website. (The computer must be on-campus for this to work.)
2. In the upper right hand corner, click on the REGISTER button and fill out the required fields. Your user name will be your primary e-mail address (does not have to be Simon’s Rock e-mail).
3. You must LOG IN to the ArtStor database from on campus once every 120 days to continue using this.