UO Libraries Home Page

Off-Campus Access to Electronic Resources

The UO Libraries provide access to a wide array of databases, electronic journals, and other electronic resources for the campus community. Eligibility for access to a specific resource is based upon the terms of the licensing agreement signed by the library, which limits off-campus access to current UO students, faculty, and staff. Students, faculty, and staff connecting to electronic resources from off-campus will need to authenticate themselves before access is allowed. Learn more about distance education services.

Authenticated Access Through the the UO Campus Network

  • The campus VPN (virtual private network) software allows you to connect your computer to the campus network as if you were physically attached to the network when on campus. The client VPN allows you to authenticate one time, with access to all library resources as long as you remain logged. To use the client VPN, you will need to download and install a small application.

Download the client VPN software.


Using the VPN software with Windows
  1. Click the Start menu button in the lower left corner, then Programs, then Cisco Systems VPN Client, and finally VPN Client.
  2. In the VPN Client window, click on the Connect icon.
  3. You will be asked for a username and password. Click OK.
  4. You will see a Welcome message; click on the Continue button.
  5. You are now connected to the campus network. You will see a closed lock in the bottom right of your screen.
  6. To disconnect, double click on the closed lock. Then click on the Disconnect icon.
Using the VPN software with Macs
  1. Look for the Cisco icon in the dock OR open the hard drive. Look in Applications for VPN Client.
  2. Open VPN Client, click on Connect.
  3. You will be asked for a username and password. Click on OK.
  4. You will see a Welcome message; click on the Continue button.
  5. The VPN Client window will stay open on the desktop. To disconnect, find the VPN Client window and click on the Disconnect button.
  6. Quit VPN Client.
Using the campus modem pool
  • UO students, faculty and staff who use the Information Services' modem pool have full access to the licensed resources offered by the library. Connecting to the Internet through the campus modem pool provides the authentication required for full access to databases, electronic journals, etc.

Authenticated Access Through the Library's Proxy Server

  • When a database or electronic resource link is selected, patrons are taken to a library Web page that verifies their eligibility to use licensed resources. Patrons will be asked to provide their name and UO ID.

Need help?

Have other questions? Try the Off-campus access FAQ.

Maintained by: Sara Brownmiller, snb@uoregon.edu
Last Modified: 02/18/2009