New video: Learn how to connect to Library resources remotely

Most ebooks, journals and other online resources provided by the Library use your network connection to determine if you are authorized to access the resources. This is automatic when you are using the campus network. When off-campus, you need to show that you are an authorized user before you can get access.

Our new, brief YouTube video provides instructions on the different ways you can connect to the Library's resources while away from campus.

Don't have time to watch a video? Here are some quick suggestions and tips for how to connect.

Use Library links

Links on Library web pages are configured to route you through the campus proxy server, which authorizes access. You will be prompted to log in with your CNetID and password so that you may access our resources wherever you are. Without the proxy server, publishers have no way to identify you as being affiliated with the University of Chicago and you will be asked to purchase content.

ProxyIt

ProxyIt is a browser tool that lets you add the proxy server information to a web site with a click. This will work for many resources, but it does not guarantee access. For example, this method will fail where the Library has access to a journal's archive in JSTOR rather than the publisher web site.
Get ProxyIt from our guide to off-campus access

LibKey Nomad

Libkey Nomad is a browser add-on for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. It works with the Library’s FindIt service to identify whether the Library has access at publisher web sites and either takes you to a page to download your article or directs you to access through other Library resources.
Learn more on our LibKey Nomad guide

Use FindIt with Google Scholar

You can set your preferences in Google Scholar to use the Library’s FindIt service. This will show access to articles directly in Google Scholar. It will also show a link to the FindIt service, which can identify articles that are available through databases.
Find out more on our Google Scholar guide

Campus Virtual Private Network (cVPN)

This is software that creates a secure connection to the campus network, so you appear to be on campus when connecting to Library and other University resources. This is the most complicated of these tools to set up, but generally the most reliable for accessing resources.
cVPN is managed by IT Services. Their pages have more information.