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Help - Restricted Resources

Why can't I get to some of the library's databases from home?

Many of the Internet resources available through the library have licensing restrictions. They can only be used by Old Dominion University faculty, staff, and students. Others are provided through the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) project and can only be used by members of academic institutions in Virginia.

Vendors restrict access by using IP addresses (internet addresses) to determine who can get in and who can't. Patrons on campus can access resources directly because the vendor recognizes and accepts the internet address of the machine being used. Patrons at remote locations, such as at home, will have different internet addresses and therefore be restricted from direct access by the vendor.

To allow remote access, the Old Dominion University Libraries uses a proxy server to act as an intermediary between the remote machine and the vendor. When you select a restricted resource you will first be presented with a web page labeled Easy Proxy Login and be asked for your University Identification Number (UIN). Once that is accepted you will then be taken to the actual resource.