Are you having trouble accessing a library resource? Try the following:
- Start at the library website to access library sponsored databases, e-books, or e-journals.
- Clear cache and browsing data.
- Place your browser in private or incognito mode.
- Check usage limits
- Check your login
If you continue to have problems accessing library resources, contact the Information Desk or use the Report a problem button
Clear the Cache and Cookies in Your Web Browser
The 'cache' is used by your browser to help pages load faster. Occasionally, old data is stored and this can cause a problem when websites and files are updated. Clearing cache and cookies is a way we can be sure that any issues you may come across are actually something wrong with the website, rather than inconsistencies caused by using different browsers.
Private Browsing
One way to potentially work around a library access issue is to put your browser in private mode, or incognito. This will prevent the browser from remembering any previous errors and reloading them continuously.
Chrome Instructions to Browse in private (Incognito Mode)
Edge Instructions to Browse InPrivate
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.
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.
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.
Any software updates?
You may experience problems using library resources because outdated software or settings. You may need to update your browser, update your browser plugins, or update your versions of Adobe Reader.
You may need to allow pop-ups or otherwise adjust your browser settings to see all content.
Proxy Error
If you see this screen, it means our proxy server got overwhelmed. Try a different browser or go through the OhioLINK databases list, using the off-campus URL, if possible, in order to move past the error..
EZProxy Prepend
To proxy a link, any link, add this to the beginning of the link:
http://ezproxy.bgsu.edu/login?url=
A proxied link to a JSTOR article would look like this:
http://ezproxy.bgsu.edu/login?url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/40651623
Test to see if your network is blocking EZproxy:
1. Go to web page: You Get Signal
2. In the Remote Address box
- Change the Remote Address to: ezproxy.bgsu.edu
- In the Port Number box, change Port Number to: 80
- Click on the Check button.
If the green flag appears and says that Port 80 is open on ezproxy.bgsu.edu, then your internet network is most likely not blocking EZProxy
If the red flag appears and says that Port 80 is closed on ezproxy.bgsu.edu, then your network is most likely set to block remote access to BGSU resources via EZProxy.
If you ran this test and are being blocked by your network, please let us know.
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 similar to this: 
to make sure you can get to something later.
JSTOR Remote access URLs
"In addition to a stable URL, journal articles and select image content on JSTOR will also display a remote access URL when you're logged in through your institution via proxy, SAML, or Google or Microsoft single sign-on (SSO). See How to tell if you are logged in to JSTOR.
Remote access URLs are a good choice for sharing with other members of your institution (for example, in course content). You can find an item's remote access URL on the item page in the Item details or Abstract and details section (for journal articles)." (JSTOR)
JSTOR. Citation management: Permanently linking to content on JSTOR. https://support.jstor.org/hc/en-us/articles/115004872507-Citation-Management-Permanently-Linking-to-Content-on-JSTOR#stable-url