Research Tools

Accessing Databases off-campus

The databases on the Inver Hills Library homepage are available 24/7. All you need to use them is an activated library barcode number. The barcode number is found on the back of your Inver Hills Student ID card or you may have a purple/blue library card from Inver Hills. If you've checked out materials from the library recently, then you are activated. If you're not sure about your account, ask at the Library desk or call 651-450-8625 or email us at library@inverhills.edu.

These are the steps to access the databases:

• Go to the Library's homepage and click on Research Tools. There is also a drop-down menu of featured resources on the Library homepage.
• A Library Authentication Login Form will come up. Your library barcode on the back of your student ID card is your username. Your barcode begins with the numbers 20202. Your last name is your password. If your name is longer than 20 letters, then only put in 20 letters. In the last box, click in the little box only if you use AOL to access the Internet at home. If you don't use AOL, just click in the Log In box.

This is what the form looks like. DO NOT login here. Go back to the Research Tools section and click on the database you want and then this form will come up.

All functions in the databases are the same whether you are on campus or off. Once you are logged into one database, you can go to another database from the Library's homepage during your timed session without re-logging on. Once you log on, you have 8 hours in one session to use the databases.

Problems that may prevent access:

• Does your student ID card have a 14 digit barcode number on the back of your ID card? Your student ID number will not work. If you don't have a 14 digit barcode number, you will need to stop by the Circulation Desk in the library to get one (for security reasons, we cannot do it over the phone or by email at this time.)
• If you are trying to access the databases from your computer at your workplace and cannot get in, your company may have extra security measures (firewalls) in place to prevent you from going out to some locations on the Internet. Check with the IT Department at your work to ask permission for outside access.
• Make sure your computer will accept "cookies" and the security setting is set to no higher than Medium.
• Are you an AOL user? Please make sure that you have checked in the box in the third section of the Authentication Form.

Questions?? Call 651-450-8625 or email us at library@inverhills.edu.