Electronic Resources Troubleshooting

Are you having technical problems accessing a library resource online? Here are some quick troubleshooting tips and tricks:

Web browsers

If you click on a link and the page does not load properly, you should trying clearing your web browsing history (cache and cookies). This solves a lot of access problems. If you don't want to clear your history, try using a private or incognito browsing window, or try a different browser. For example, if you are experiencing difficulty with a resource while using Chrome, try Firefox instead.

Here is how to browse in private or incognito mode in some commonly used browsers:

• In Chrome:
  • Type Ctrl+Shift+N (on a PC)
  • Command+Shift+N (on a Mac)
  • or use the three dots in the upper right to select New Incognito Window
• In Firefox:
  • Type Ctrl+Shift+P (on a PC)
  • Command+Shift+P (on a Mac)
  • or use the three lines in the upper right to select New Private Window
• In Safari:
  • Type Command+Shift+N
  • or go to File>New Private Window

If browsing in a private window solves the problem, you might want to clear your browsing history so that you do not have to continue to use a private window.

WiFi on Campus

Users run into problems accessing resources when connected to the Ithaca College Guest WiFi Network. If you are using this network and are experiencing problems accessing library resources, you should connect to one of the secure WiFi networks. Please see IT's article on Wireless Networks and WiFi for more information about the different options.

Library Search

If an electronic resource is available online, you should click on the title to find ways of accessing that resource online.

Clicking on the title will open a full record where you may find a list of ways of accessing the resource. If you find a list, and the first link you try doesn't bring you to the resource you want, try one of the other links:

If you are still having problems connecting to the resource, you might want to search for the resource directly in one or more of the databases from the list. If that doesn't work, you may report the problem to electronic resources staff by using the Report a Problem link in the Full Record.

If, after trying the quick fixes listed above, you find that you are still experiencing difficulty, please report the problem to our Electronic Resources staff via the form below. Try to include as much information about the problem as possible, including any error messages and whether you are on-campus or off-campus. Including information about your internet connection (ResNet, Ithaca College Secure Network, etc.) may also be helpful.

Unfortunately, due to licensing and copyright restrictions, access to library electronic resources (databases, ebooks, eserials) is limited to current IC faculty, staff, and students. Ithaca College Library has selected a group of online resources for our alumni and retirees. Please refer to the Alumni and Retiree Resources Guide for more information: