Skip to Main Content

Getting Started with Library Research

Guides to getting started at University Libraries. Search tips, citation resources, and more.

Browser Refresh

Browser Hard Refresh

In most browsers on PC and Mac, you can perform a simple action to force a hard refresh. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click on the reload icon on your browser’s toolbar.browser refresh icon

Keyboard Commands

  1. Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for Windows: Press Ctrl+F5 (If that doesn't work, try Shift+F5 or Ctrl+Shift+R).
  2. Chrome or Firefox for Mac: Press Shift+Command+R.
  3. Safari for Mac: There is no simple keyboard shortcut to force a hard refresh.

Try a different browser

Try a different browser
 
image of differing browser icons

 Some library resources will function better from one browser to the next, so if you continue to run into access issue with a library resource, it may be helpful to try using the resource from a different browser.  

Login errors can get saved in your cache even if they are just temporary. Many login errors are resolved by trying a different browser. If you can't use a different browser, try clearing your cache and search history.

Check user limits

User Limits

Some databases require you to set up a special account to use the database or certain features. Others are limited to just a few or only one user at a time. Some of these resources include: JSTOR, Intelliconnect (CCH), SciFinder, and Naxos, among others. Use the All Databases list to check for special access notes about the resource you are trying to use.

image Naxos 20 users at a time limit message in Library Database A-Z listing

Likewise, some of our eBooks are limited to just a few or only one user at a time. You will find notes about this in the catalog, next to the url for each book.

 

Check your login

Two Factor Authentication

BGSU uses Two Factor Authentication to access some BGSU provided software and library databases.  This means when accessing a library resource, you may be prompted to input your BGSU username and password, and then complete the DUO authentication process.  Whenever DUP authentication is necessary to access a library resource, you will be prompted with a screen that looks similar to this:

screenshot of BGSU's DUO authentication screen when option to send notification

If you are using a personal device, you can select the "Remember me for 30 days" option to avoid extra authentication for a month. 

 

For more information about setting up DUO Authentication, visit the ITS Instructions for Setting Up Duo App. 

If you are experiencing issues with your BGSU account, please contact ITS on the  ITS Website or by phone: 419.372.0999

Make sure you're using a persistent link

Sometimes the link to a resource you are trying to use is a session URL and not a persistent URL. 

 

If you cannot connect to a resource because you do not have a persistent link, usually the only thing you can do is try to find the item again in the database through a keyword search. 

When using databases, look for the "permalink" or "persistent link" or a link icon similiar to this:  to make sure you can get to something later.

Use the alternate access link

Alternative Access Link

To find the Alternate Access Link for other databases, go to the All Databases list (on our homepage under the search box).

Find the database you want in the list and click the "more" link underneath the description to show the Alternate Access Link. 

Sometimes, a link on our website may take you to the description of a database.

If you are able to log in using an alternate access link but are unable to log in to EZProxy, a firewall in your network may be blocking EZProxy. This most frequently happens in:

  • K-12 schools
  • government buildings and offices
  • hospitals

 

If you cannot log in to EZProxy, try to find and use the alternate access link. Here are alternate access links for  EBSCO: