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Connecting to the Libraries: FAQs

Library Web Pages and Electronic Resources:

Downloading Software:

Printing or Downloading Information:

Library Web Pages and Electronic Resources

How do I connect to the VCU Libraries web pages?

1. Type or bookmark the VCU Libraries URL (Web address) - http://www.library.vcu.edu/

2.  Click the Libraries link on the VCU home page - http://www.vcu.edu/ - and then select either the "Start here" or the "VCU Libraries Web site" link.

3. Click on the VCU Libraries tab inside Blackboard.

4. Click on the Library tab inside MyVCU and then click on the "VCU Libraries Home Page" link.

 

Guidance for Various Locations:

Inside the Libraries
 The home page on the library workstations is VCU Libraries. You may also connect your laptop in the libraries using the VCU wireless or Ethernet network. Use your eID to login.

Campus Computer Labs
Most labs offer Internet access. The only resources you will not be able to use from campus computer labs should be those labelled "Cabell only", "Tompkins-McCaw only" and "Libraries only".

Campus dorm rooms
The residence halls are connected to the VCU Network, but to access the network you must have an Ethernet card. The Student Computer Initiative Web pages provide specifications and information about this type of connection.

Off-campus
VCU Libraries uses EZProxy built into the addresses of our electronic databases. When you select a resource, you will be prompted to enter your eID (see a screen shot of the login screen). More information is found on the Connect from Home page.

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I cannot log into Lexis, FirstSearch, InfoTrac Web. Why not?

The most common reasons are: (1) you typed in an incorrect eID; OR (2) you have disabled cookies; OR (3) you are using an address that does not have EZProxy built into it.

1. If your eID does not work on our login screen (view a screen shot of the login page), first verify your eID, and then submit a Logon Problem Report.

2. To enable cookies, click on your browser's Tools link and then on Options or Internet Options. You will usually find the cookies settings under the Privacy tab.

3. EZProxy will get you into almost all of our resources. Use the Quick Links menu on the left side of our home page, or the links to online resources on the Find Information tab. The links on these pages all have EZProxy built into them. More information about EZProxy is found on our Connect from Home page.

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Hey, I followed your instructions and I STILL can't log in.

Several possibilities, and these apply to Lexis-Nexis, FirstSearch, InfoTrac Web, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, in other words, virtually all of our electronic resources.

1. Your login failed. Perhaps you made a typographical error when you entered your eID. Try accessing your VCU email account or Blackboard. If you are successful there, please submit a Logon Problem Report form telling us what you are unable to access.

2. Maximum number of users has been exceeded. Some electronic resources have a maximum number of simultaneous connections allowed by our subscription. When the limit is reached, you will not be able to connect. Unfortunately, the system usually will not tell you this.

3. Traffic over the Internet. Most of the electronic resources we offer are maintained by the publishers and reside on computers throughout the country. During peak periods of activity, Internet connections may be painfully slow.

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What do "Cabell only", "Libraries only", and "Tompkins McCaw only" mean?

These labels apply to the few electronic resources available for use only inside one or more of the library buidlings:

  • Libraries only libraries: Available only inside both library buildings.
  • Cabell Library only Cabell: Available only in Cabell Library.
  • Tompkins-McCaw Library only Tompkins-McCaw: Available only in Tompkins-McCaw Library.
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Downloading Software

Is there other Internet software I might need?

Yes, you will probably want to download free software for viewing PDF files (portable document format). This special format allows you to view the original graphics, layout and text, just as the publisher intended. Many full-text electronic journals offer their contents only as PDF files.

You may download Adobe Acrobat Reader directly from Adobe.

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Printing or Downloading Information

I can't get this stuff to print! Why not? Or. . . .
I'm having trouble downloading information to my computer, what do I do?

These questions are very difficult to answer because there are so many variables. The problem might be with your printer or Internet connection, or it could be a problem with the source page itself.

Here are some tips for printing/downloading:

  • Look for a Print, E-Mail, and/or Download feature in the database.
  • Follow any special instructions given in the database for printing/downloading.
  • Use the Print Preview feature (File | Print Preview) on your browser to see what the page(s) will look like and to find out how many pages there are. This is especially important if you are trying to print something from the Internet.
  • Make sure there is a Download feature or that the Save As... selection is available.
  • Change the background color to White and text to Black. (Note: You cannot do this inside the VCU Libraries). Internet Explorer: Tools | Internet Options | General - Colors. Firefox: Tools | General | Fonts & Colors. Netscape/Mozilla: Edit | Preferences | Colors.
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