The library's proxy server (the system that enables off-campus access to library database) should work with the major internet browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.

The proxy server will work best with more recent versions of internet browsers. 

• If you use Internet Explorer and are having trouble connecting to our databases, please follow these steps:

  • In your browser, select Tools (or the cog wheel icon in more current versions of Internet Explorer)
  • Choose Internet Options 
  • Select the Connections tab
  • Choose the LAN Settings button
  • If it is checked, remove the check mark next to the Use a Proxy Server for your LAN box
  • Choose OK, then OK again
  • Go to the Library's website and choose a database
    
    
• If you use Firefox and are having trouble connecting to our databases, please follow these steps:
  • In your browser, select Tools
  • Choose Options 
  • Select Advanced
  • Choose the Network tab
  • Select the Settings button
  • Choose the circle next to Auto-detect Proxy Settings for this Network
  • Choose OK, then OK again
  • Go to the Library's website and choose a database
    

The library proxy server needs to be able to send cookies in order to work correctly.  Check to make sure that your browser settings will allow you to accept cookies:

• Firefox for Windows: go to Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies> check box to "Accept Cookies from Sites."
• Firefox for Mac: go to Firefox > Preferences > Privacy > Cookies> check box to "Accept Cookies from Sites."
• Internet Explorer: go to the Tools menu (or choose the cog wheel icon) and choose > Internet Options > Privacy > then set the privacy slider to Medium or lower.
• Safari: go to Preferences > Security and make sure "Accept Cookies: Never" isn't chosen.

Proprietary internet browsers such as those created by AOL and MSN do not work with the proxy server. Do the following to work around this problem:

• Connect to your internet service provider (AOL, MSN) as usual
• Minimize the AOL or MSN browser
• Open an internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
• Go to the Library's website and choose a database

If you do not have another browser on your computer, we recommend you download and install Internet Explorer.

If your home or office computer is using a firewall or an internal proxy server for security, this may block access to University of Portland's library resources.

Consult your workplace network administrator and request that they open port "80" on their Firewall or Internal Proxy Server. At home, check the user manual for your firewall for instructions about how to open access to port 80.

If you access the internet via a cable modem/broadband (such as Comcast) and use Internet Explorer as your browser, you may experience difficulties using library resources from off-campus. If you are unable to connect to library resources, try changing the following settings:

• Open Internet Explorer
• In your browser, click the Tools menu at the top of the screen
• Choose Internet Options
• Click the Connections tab, then click the LAN Settings box
• If any boxes are checked, click the box to remove the check mark. In particular, make sure the Automatically detect settings box is not checked
• Click OK, then click OK again to save your settings