There are several possible issues that could prevent you from being able to access the library's databases. This page will help you explore some of these issues.

Good Standing with the Library
After a certain period of time, you may reach the maximum fine amount for an unreturned item. When this happens, you may be unable to access the library's databases from home. Normally, a book or two that are only a few days overdue shouldn't prevent you from accessing the databases. Please return your items in a timely manner to avoid this possibility.

You also need to be a current Nicholls student, faculty, or staff member to use the databases remotely. Anyone may use the library's databases from within the library itself. Also, if you register late for classes it may take a few days to be entered into the library system. If you feel you are having trouble because of overdue items or because you registered late, please contact the Circulation Desk at 985 448 4654.

Live Internet Connection
In order to access the library's databases; you must be currently connected to the Internet. Normally, you would not be able to view this page if you are not connected to the Internet. Current students can access the Internet through dial-up. (You may incur phone charges if Thibodaux is not a local number for you.) The instructions for setting up your computer to connect are available here.

Current Internet Browser
Currently, some of our database vendors only support Internet Explorer Version 6 or later. You may attempt to use other browsers or older versions of Internet Explorer. However, we will not be able to duplicate many problems you may encounter and cannot support other browsers at this time. Internet Explorer may be installed at no charge, but your computer must meet Microsoft's Internet Explorer 6 installation requirements. Internet Explorer 7 is preferred, but your computer must meet Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7 installation requirments.

Many of our database vendors do support FireFox browser, a new cousin of Netscape. This Mozilla product is available for Windows (98 or later), MacOCS X (10.2.x or later), or Linux.

Mac Users
Unfortunately, many websites are not optimized for MacIntosh browsers. However, you may try the following options:
Safari, which should come with OS X now.
Mozilla's FireFox for MacOS X
Users of MacOS 9 or earlier should consider upgrading. Many features of our database resources are already unavailable to you. Typically, database vendors only support older operating systems for 1-3 years after a new operating system is released. Mac OS X 10.4.x or Mac OS X Tiger, is the latest OS.
Internet Explorer for Mac is no longer available for download or supported by Microsoft.

Cookies
Most of our databases require the use of cookies. Cookies are small text files that identify you as someone with right to view a certain site. More information about cookies, including a list of sites you'll need to accept cookies from, click here.

Firewall Access
Often, a firewall may prevent access to the library's databases. The purpose of a firewall is to limit the access others have to your computer through the Internet. Your Internet Service Provider may have a firewall that is not configured to all access to our proxy server.

Today, many users access the Internet from behind a firewall. Some DSL and cable modems have built-in firewall/routers. These would be hardware or physical firewalls. To configure them, you would need to refer to the documentation that came with the device. There are also software firewalls. These are often not as effective as a security measure, but are certainly better than no firewall at all. Windows XP has a built in Internet Connection Firewall that may be turned on. To access EZProxy, your firewall must allow access to ports 2048 and 2050 through 2400 on ezproxy.nicholls.edu.

A list of known servers that our database vendors use to provide access to our database materials is available at: http://www.nicholls.edu/library/firewall.htm. This list is by no means comprehensive, but we have compiled what we know due to high level of requests for this information.

Internet Service Provider Specific Issues

• AOL - America Online
  AOL's browser handles web traffic differently than standard browsers. Open another browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape or FireFox after connecting to AOL and use that other browser to connect to the library's databases.
• NetZero HiSpeed
  
  1. Launch Internet Explorer
  2. Go to Tools | Internet Options...
  3. Click on the Connections tab
  4. Scroll through the Dial-up settings to locate NetZero, then click on NetZero and click Settings...
  5. Under Proxy Server, click Advanced...
  6. In Exceptions, scroll to the end of the list, then type:
     ; ezproxy.nicholls.edu; ezproxy.louislibraries.org; ezpauth.louislibraries.org
  7. Keep hitting OK until all the windows close and you are back in Internet Explorer.
     At this point, access to EZProxy should be restored.

Accelerators, Hi-Speed Dial-Up, and Peer-to-Peer Programs
Web accelerators claim to speed up your dial-up Internet experience. This simulation of speed is accomplished through the use of server-side caching of Internet pages. This may cause a number of problems when using library databases. Please turn off any accelarators or peer-to-peer (file-sharing) programs if you are having trouble connecting to library databases.

Spyware, Adware, and Other Malware
Malicious computer code may have been installed on your computer. This is especially likely if you tend to download programs from the Internet or if you play a lot of games online. Unfortunately, your anti-virus programs are not enough to protect your computer. You'll need a good spyware/adware removal tool. Be careful, some programs that claim to remove spyware/adware from your computer will actually add their own adware. No removal tool can find everything, however a good free utility is SpyBot Search and Destroy.

Pop-Up Blockers
You must turn off pop-up blockers to login to the library databases, at least the first time. This is because your actual login is secured and you must agree to accept the digital certificate from the ezpauth.louislibraries.org server. You should accept this certificate permanently.

If you are still having difficulties, you may email the Automation Librarian at Jeremy.Landry@nicholls.edu, or call 985 448 4664.

This page was last updated on .