Current faculty, students, and staff are able to access library resources whether on or off campus. To access subscription databases, e-books and e-reserves from off campus, you need to be connected to the Vassar proxy server. When prompted, use your Vassar OneLogin credentials. Once you've successfully connected, you will have access to all of our licensed resources.
If you have problems, email proxysupport@vassar.edu.
Please note: Using your cell phone (not on wifi) to access library resources will require authentication regardless of whether you are physically on campus or not.
Accessing our electronic resources can get complicated, but you may be able to clear up some problems on your own. Give the solutions listed below a try. If none of them work, please email library_systems@vassar.edu.
Allow sites to save and read cookie data
Cookies and data stored in your browser's cache can cause login problems. Choosing the private mode in your browser bypasses your cache. If you are able to access the needed resource in a private or incognito window, the problem is likely in your cache. You can simply continue to browse incognito or clear your cache.
Microsoft Edge: InPrivate mode
If you don't want to clear your entire cache, a "hard refresh" will clear the data from just the website you're on. For most browsers, on a PC or Mac, simply hold down the keyboard Shift key and click the reload icon on your browser’s toolbar.
Edge: view and delete browser history
Many library products are developed and tested using the most recent versions of Chrome and Safari, but having more than one browser on your machine can be handy. Some resources behave differently in different browsers, so if you're having trouble simply switching browsers could solve your problem. Making sure you have the most recent update can also be helpful.
1. Use VC Libraries website links
Links to licensed material found using Google can lead to a firewall. Accessing material via our Databases A-Z list or from Library Search is likely to be more successful.
2. Add proxy to URL
If you do find a resource on the web you think should work, you can prepend (add to beginning) the proxy to the URL using the tool below.
Example: If you find an article on a commercial site, and you think the library might have access to it, rather than copying and pasting the details into Library Search, you can shortcut the process by copying the the URL into the tool below and clicking the button. It will turn a vendor URL into a proxied URL:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/27033609 becomes
https://libproxy.vassar.edu/login?url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27033609
1. Check if the problem is with one resource or all resources
Try to access another resource from our A-Z Databases. If other resources are working for you, the problem could be with the vendor. Please email library_systems@vassar.edu to report the problem.
2. Check user limits
Some vendors restrict access to a limited number of users at one time. Examples include LIONonline, the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals and Art Index Retrospective.
3. Ask a Librarian about our resources
There is often more than one route to success when using for e-resources. Use our Ask a Librarian services to get help finding a another way to get what you need.
email | chat | appointment | research guides
An easy way to see if your problem involves your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is to bypass your wifi by using a device with a data plan (phone, tablet, etc.) to attempt to access the resource. If you can access the resource, the problem is likely with your ISP.
If you are a Spectrum or Comcast/Xfinity customer, the problem could be with security settings managed remotely by the ISP. We suggest you contact your ISP for a long-term fix, but try one of the workarounds below in the meanwhile.
Spectrum
If your ISP is Spectrum and you have "Advanced Home Wifi" as part of your package, please call them (855.243.8892) and ask them to modify the wifi security shield so that you can access libproxy.vassar.edu. You'll need your account number. If you do not have "Advanced Home Wifi" and/or your router is more than a few years old, Spectrum may need to troubleshoot your particular system.
Comcast/Xfinity
If Comcast/Xfinity is your ISP, please contact them and ask them to adjust the security settings on your router. You'll need your account number.
Workaround 1: VApps (Comcast and Spectrum)
Workaround 2: Turn off your Advanced Security (Comcast only)
Please note: It is recommended you do this only while you are using the proxy resources.
Workaround 3: Use a smartphone or tablet to create a hotspot
Workaround 4: Use Vassar's VPN (current Vassar employees only)
If you are still having issues, please reach out to proxysupport@vassar.edu to report any problems.
Email us
The best way to contact us with any problems is to send an email to library_systems@vassar.edu (or fill out this form to be walked through the below questions). This will send your message to several librarians at once, and you'll be able to follow along with progress as it is made on your issue.
Please try to include as much information as you are able to share with us, including:
BUT: Don't hesitate to send an email even if you don't know any of this! We're happy to follow up with you and work together on the problem.
Workaround 1: VApps (Comcast and Spectrum)
Workaround 2: Turn off your Advanced Security (Comcast only)
Please note: It is recommended you do this only while you are using the proxy resources.
Workaround 3: Use a smartphone or tablet to create a hotspot
Workaround 4: Use Vassar's VPN (current Vassar employees only)
If you are still having issues, please reach out to proxysupport@vassar.edu to report any problems.
