Why am I having trouble accessing the library's electronic resources?
Answer
If you're having trouble accessing an electronic resource (database or journal article), first try these basic troubleshooting tips.
1. Make sure you are properly logged in to your Wilkes account.
If this is the message you see when you try logging into an electronic resource, your username/password has not been recognized. Ensure that you are entering your username only (not your whole Wilkes e-mail address). Be sure to type in your password. Passwords remembered by your browser may not update when you change your password. To reset your password, contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.
If you see a different message on this page, or if the page denying you access to a database is different, use Ask A Librarian for assistance.
2. Make sure you are accessing the databases through the library website. Farley Library databases can be accessed through the A-Z database list or through the links provided in the research guides. The links on these pages have the library's proxy included so you can access resources off-campus. Searching the database with Google will not grant you access.
3. Clear your browser cache and cookies. Lifewire provides good instructions on how to clear your cache in major browsers.
4. Try a different browser. Some web browsers are not compatible with certain features of library databases. Firefox and Chrome are recommended browsers. If you can access resources in one browser and not another, try clearing that browser's cache and cookies.
5. Restart your computer. Restarting closes all programs and system processes that may be running in the background and causing minor computer problems, such as slow speeds, program errors, and problems accessing electronic resources.
6. If possible, try a different computer or mobile device. If only one computer cannot access library resources, you may need to review your security settings with the IT Help Desk or troubleshoot other computer problems.