How to access electronic resources away from Oxford

(Cross-posted to the Resources blog)

If you’re going to be away from Oxford over the Christmas vacation, you can still access library electronic resources even when not connected to the University network.   There are two ways to do this.  One is to sign up for a remote access account with OUCS and install VPN (Virtual Private Network) software on your computer, but if that seems fiddly (or you’ve already left Oxford and not sorted that out), library resources are still accessible to you without it.   All you need to do is sign in on SOLO or OxLIP+ using your University single sign-on account, and then click through to the resource you’re looking for – it will know who you are and grant you access as a University member. Now you can enjoy uninterrupted research, no matter where you are!

Remote access, OxLIP+ and ILL charges

Various things to update you all on now we’re into August:

  • Remote Access: Athens will no longer work to allow access to electronic resources from outside the University. Instead resources will require you to authenticate using your Oxford single sign-on (the same as your webmail username and password). The best way to do this (without VPN) is to log in via the new OxLIP+ interface (from where you can also click through to OU ejournals). For more information, see the OULS remote access page.
  • OxLIP+: This is the new interface to electronic resources, currently in beta launch. As well as access to all the resources, it includes some cross-searching facilities and personalised features (My Research). It can be accessed via: http://oxlip-plus.ouls.ox.ac.uk.
  • Inter-library loan charges have increased to £4.00 per request (£12.00 for international requests).

Remote access to electronic resources

A message from OULS:

The Library Services currently recommend that readers download the VPN (Virtual Private Network) software to enable access to resources when off-campus. Step by step instructions are at: http://www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/network/vpn/oucs-service/

Many databases have also been available through an Athens username, but this service will terminate at the end of July 2008. Most database suppliers will be offering an institutional log-in using the Oxford Single Sign-On instead (this is the same as your WebAuth or Herald userid and password). A small number of databases will initially not work with SSO access; these will continue to be available through the VPN. You can check the remote access arrangements for each specific database from OxLIP. For information about the Oxford Single Sign-On see http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/sers/resources/ssoathens.

We are working to develop a new portal service which will make it much simpler to use the Oxford SSO for remote access to electronic resources. Please follow progress on the OULS website at http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/eresources/remote_access.

A few resources (e.g. ZETOC) use Athens for personalised services such as alerts. These will have to be either migrated or cancelled and reinstated. For advice on access to legal databases please contact the law librarians.

If you have any concerns or would like more information please email eresources@ouls.ox.ac.uk.
The links given here should give you all the information you need and, in addition, a WISER session has been arranged on Remote access on Wednesday 11th June 12.30-1.30 at OUCS – to book see:
http://www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/itlp/courses/detail/TZWH