General
The information in the tabs above address some of the more common problems encountered when using the Proxy Server and accessing information in the databases. Select a tab to find frequently asked questions and tips to address the issues you are experiencing.
- General Proxy Server Questions: general tips and steps to follow to address common problems.
- PawPrint: provides some hints to correct problems with incorrect username or password messages when connecting with the Proxy Server and links for where to go to resolve PawPrint issues.
- Databases: here you will find a list of common questions and answers for dealing with problems encountered in accessing the databases.
- Extension Department Users: will find some general direction on dealing with access issues.
- Problem Report Form: use this form to report problems with access.
Set Up
Due to licensing restrictions, only current MU affiliates (currently enrolled Students, Faculty, and Staff) are permitted access to the MU Libraries' electronic resources, and may access any material on our site. If you are affiliated with MU, there are several ways you can connect to the Libraries' electronic resources, both from off campus and on campus.Off-Campus
Your PawPrint (MU email username and password) is all that is needed to access resources from off-campus.- If you are using a commercial Internet Service Provider (e.g., Mediacom, AOL, DSL, etc.), go to the MU Libraries' database pages, click on a link, and you will be asked to login with your PawPrint.
- You can download the Virtual Private Networking (VPN) client at no charge from the Division of Information Technology. The VPN allows you to access the MU network with an outside Internet Service Provider.
On Campus
If you are connecting to the Internet through the MU network (campus office, dorm, computer lab, TigerNet wireless, VPN, etc.), you should be able to access all of the Libraries' resources without problem from the MU Libraries' home page.Proxy Server
General Proxy Server (EZ Proxy) Use & Tips:
General Proxy Server Use
- You do not need to do anything special to use the proxy server. Our system will automatically detect if you are using a computer off-campus and will direct you to the proxy server if you need to use it to access a resource. Just use the Finding Articles and Databases or the FindIt@MU electronic resources pages just as you would if you were on campus.
- When you select a licensed resource (e.g., database, e-journal, e-book, etc.), you will be prompted to "authenticate," or log in, as a currently enrolled student, faculty, or staff member. To authenticate and use the proxy server, you will need to use the same email username (PawPrint) and password that you use to check your MU email. If you cannot remember your email password, you can change, establish, or re-establish your email password.
- Once authenticated, you will be automatically transferred to the resource you selected.
Having Trouble?
Check to see if any of these tips will correct the problem.- Check to see if your web browser is set to accept cookies. You will need to have cookies turned on.
- Make sure JavaScript is enabled.
- Make sure you are using your campus email username (PawPrint). For example, if your campus email is: abc123@mizzou.edu, then your username is: abc123
- If you are using your campus email username and still cannot log on, then check and make sure your password is correct. Go to the Password Manager. Here you can change, reset, or synchronize your password for your campus accounts.
- If you have a firewall installed, we suggest that you download the VPN and install it for use rather than using the proxy server.
- If you use NetZero Hi Speed as your Internet Service Provider, you will need to turn off the Hi Speed option in order to access via the proxy server. NetZero Hi Speed blocks access to the proxy server.
- If you use PeoplePC as your Internet Service Provider, you may have difficulties accessing some resources. You will need to turn off the proxy setting in your web browser in order to access all the resources.
- If you are using Google Accelerator, you may experience problems with access. You may need to disable Google Accelerator.
- Try a different browser.
PawPrint
Having trouble logging onto the Proxy Server with your campus email username (PawPrint)?
- Make sure you are using your campus email username (PawPrint). For example, if your campus email is abc123@mizzou.edu, then your username is abc123.
- Make sure your CAPS LOCK key was not accidentally turned on. Most campus email usernames (PawPrint) are in lowercase.
- If you are using your campus email username and still cannot log on, make sure your password is correct. Go to the Password Manager. Here you can change, reset or, synchronize your password for your campus accounts.
- To access MU Libraries' electronic resources, you must be a MU affiliate (current student, faculty, or staff). If you are a student or faculty from the other University of Missouri campuses (St. Louis, Rolla, or Kansas City), your PawPrint will not authorize access into the MU Libraries' electronic resources.
- Be sure you have entered the database through a MU Libraries' link. Your PawPrint will not authorize access if you enter a database through the database's website.
- If none of these options work to correct the problem, try installing the VPN.
Databases
Here are some common questions about database access. If you do not locate a question that applies to the issue you are experiencing, please click on the tab above to fill out the problem report form to report the problem.
Q. Why can't I access from my computer at school or work?
A. When attempting to access the databases from school or work, there could be several reasons why access is blocked.
One common reason is that the school district or company has set up a firewall that is blocking access. If you do not get a page requesting your PawPrint and password to log into the Proxy Server, the cause is probably that your school district or company has a firewall that is blocking access. If this is the case, you can try to download the Virtual Private Networking (VPN) client from MU. However, many school districts and companies have their networks set up so that they do not allow the VPN either, in which case you should talk to the school's or company's IT person about the firewall. If you are using the resources only for your MU coursework, we may be able to provide the IT person with the proxy IP address so that they can allow access through the firewall. Or the IT person might be able to allow the VPN to be installed on your computer.
If the problem is not the school's or company's firewall, try using a different browser. For example, if you were using Internet Explorer, try using Firefox or another browser. Or you can try clearing the cache
If none of these options are helpful, or if you need further assistance, please click on the tab above to Report a Problem. We will look into this and contact you as soon as possible.
Q. Why can't I get into a particular database I am trying to access? The system is not connecting, although I can get into other databases.
A. If you experience trouble accessing one database but are able to access other databases, the vendor of that particular database could be experiencing system problems. Please click on the tab above to Report a Problem. We will look into this and contact you as soon as possible.
Q. Why can't I access a database I used yesterday and earlier today? Now when I try to search it, although it looks like it's loading, I get a blank white page and the status bar indicates it is done loading.
A. Try a different browser or clear the cache. The directions for clearing the cache vary depending on the browser you are using. For Firefox and Internet Explorer, go to "Tools" and select "Options" for Firefox or "Internet Options" for Internet Explorer. In Firefox, chose "Privacy" and then "clear" next to "cache". For Internet Explorer, chose "General", then under "Temporary Internet Files" select "delete files".
Q. Why I can't access the databases from a certain page?
A. Occasionally we have server problems and lose access for a short time or a link could be broken. You can try going into the database through a different path. For example, Academic Search Premier can be accessed through "Popular Databases" link in the lefthand navigational panel, or through clicking on "A" on the main database listing page, along with several other entry points. If trying another path does not work, the problem may be with the server and you can try again later. In either case, please click on the tab above to Report a Problem. We will look into this and contact you as soon as possible.
Q. Why am I having trouble with searching a database? All that happens when I click on "search" is that the results page will not load or displays a message: "Unable to Complete Your Request."
A. While many of the database subscriptions allow for an unlimited number of simultaneous users, the library's subscription to a few have a limited number of users allowed to search at one time. Some of these databases will act as if the search is executing, but will either not load the results page or display a message such as "unable to complete your request". To determine if the database you are attempting use has a limited subscription, click on the "more info..." link immediately following the description of the database on the access page. If the database has an unlimited subscription, try using another browser or another computer. If the problem persists, please click on the tab above to Report a Problem. We will look into this and contact you as soon as possible.
Q. Why can't I open an article from the link in Blackboard/WebCT/Sakai/ERes?
A. Accessing an article from online course sites can sometimes pose problems if the correct durable URL with the proxy prefix was not used. If you have citation information, you can find the article yourself by filling out information on "Find a Specific Article or Journal" page. If you do not have the citation information, ask your instructor.
Q. I am a Retiree/Emeritus. How can I get access to the databases and electronic resources?
A. Retirees need to register with the Division of Information Techology's Retiree Access IT Program in order to have access to MU Libraries' resources. See DoIT for information on obtaining access. Emeritus faculty need to contact their departmental IT for access to MU Libraries' resources.
Q. As an MU Alum, can I access library resources?
A. In partnership with the Mizzou Alumni Association (MAA), some electronic resources are available to MAA members. Check the Library Resources for Alumni page for details.
Q. Why doesn't a bookmark I set to an article I found earlier open the article?
A. Bookmarks to articles will not work. You must be authenticated each session.
Q. Why can't I link to a database from the alphabet bar?
A. If you know the name of the database and cannot access by clicking on the letter of the alphabet corresponding with the first letter of database name (for example, "A" for Academic Search Premier), try typing the name of the database in the box on the main database listing page, or locating the database through a different path (for example, clicking on the "Popular Databases" link in the lefthand navigational panel for Academic Search Premier). Please click on the tab above to fill out the problem report form to report the problem, or if you still cannot access the database.
Q. I have dual status - I am an MU student and an employee at one of the other University of Missouri campuses. Why doesn't my PawPrint work?
A. The system usually only recognizes your employment campus as your "home campus." Fill out the Report a Problem Form and we will get your account set up for access.
If you are having problems not covered here, please click on the tab above to fill out the Problem Report Form, and we will contact you to discuss it as soon as possible.
MU Extension
If you are an Extension Department user experiencing difficulties with access to the databases, try disconnecting the Extension VPN. You should be able to do this by following these steps:
Double click the yellow padlock in your System Tray (bottom right of your screen), click the Disconnect button on the top left of the window. To reconnect, click the same button to reconnect. The VPN window will disappear when the connection is made, and the yellow padlock will reappear in the locked position in the System Tray. You can find more information here about the VPN.
If this does not address the problem, please click on the tab above to fill out the Problem Report Form, and we will contact you to discuss it as soon as possible.
Report A Problem
Please answer all of the following questions and submit the form. The more detail you provide, the better we will be able to assist you in a timely manner.