WYLD TECHNOTE 001: Access to Other Databases

general information | remote access help

Remote access

If the database vendors are unable to identify your IP address or recognize a cookie on your workstation, then you must enter a WYLD library card and PIN to gain access. If you do not have a library card or PIN, you can contact your local public or community college library for more information. Please note that your local library may have access to additional databases.

For remote database access from within WYLDCAT (library catalog):

1. Connect to a WYLDCAT session at http://wyld.state.wy.us
2. Click on 'Articles & More' on the navigation bar (next to 'My Account')
3. Click on the links to any of the databases except Ancestry Library which is only available from within a library
4. Note that HeinOnline is also only available in participating public library buildings
5. Type in your WYLD library card and PIN when prompted.
6. Links to the databases will open a new browser window.
7. If you experience a loop where you are asked over and over again for your library card, please see the troubleshooting directions below

For remote database access from GoWyld.net

1. Connect to http://gowyld.net/dbases.cfm for a list of all the databases available statewide.
2. Click on the links to any of the databases except Ancestry Library which is only available from within a library
3. Note that HeinOnline is also only available in participating public library buildings
4. Type in your WYLD library card and PIN when prompted.
5. If you experience a loop where you are asked over and over again for your library card, please see the troubleshooting directions below

Having Problems? Home users with Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall will need to configure their workstations to pass referrer information to specific web pages. If you do not make changes to the default settings, you will be caught in a loop where you are asked over and over again for your library card and PIN.

How to fix Norton Internet Security 2005 & 2006. (technote001a)

How to fix Norton Internet Security - earlier versions   The sites that should be allowed to refer for your workstation are wyld.state.wy.us and ez.lib.wy.us

You should also make sure that your web browser's security is set to allow cookies. In Internet Explorer (v. 6.x) you can find this under Tools - Internet Options - Privacy - Advanced. Scroll down to the Cookies section and select Always Allow Session Cookies. Click OK. In Netscape (v. 7.x) Go to the Edit menu and choose Preferences. Double-click on Privacy & Security. Click on Cookies. Click in the Enable all cookies radio button. Click OK. In Firefox, cookie settings are stored in the Privacy Panel of the Options/Preferences window.

QUESTIONS

Please do not hesitate to call or email Desiree Saunders at the WYLD office at the State Library if you have any questions regarding access to these databases. Under our consortia pricing arrangements for these products, vendors prefer that questions come to the State Library rather than directly to the vendors from all of the many member libraries. Desiree can be contacted at 307/777-6258 or 1-800-264-1281, Choose 1 to continue, 2 for the WYLD Office, then 4 for Desiree's extension. email: dsaund@state.wy.us

AUTHENTICATED ACCESS from a Library or Wyoming educational Institution

The Wyoming State Library has licensing agreements to enable access to most of the databases listed at Gowyld.net for all Wyoming libraries (including schools) and by any Wyoming resident.

The database vendors use an authentication method to verify that users are within the state of Wyoming. One method requires that a specific 'static' Internet protocol (IP) address or range of addresses can be identified for a particular machine, or group of machines. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) use what is called 'Dynamic Addressing' of IP addresses. In these cases, when you connect to the ISP, you are assigned a random IP address for your particular session. This situation hinders the ability of the vendors to automatically authenticate you as a user.

Any institution which can provide a range of static IP addresses will be able to access the databases without usernames and passwords. To submit additional addresses to each vendor, please contact Desiree Saunders at the Wyoming State Library: dsaund@state.wy.us, (307) 777-6258 or 1-800-264-1281, Choose 1 to continue, 2 for the WYLD Office, then 4 for Desiree's extension.

Public and Branch Libraries: Don't forget that if you are using security and/or filtering software for your PAC's and have restricted access to other Internet sites, you must have these listed as accessible sites in your security software.

TRAINING

Staff may also benefit from attending a training session in the use of these and other Internet resources. State Library staff are available to provide training sessions in using these tools. Additional information about training can be obtained by contacting Chris Van Burgh, Outreach Librarian at the State Library by email, cvanbu@state.wy.us or phone, (307) 777-3642.