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Tips for Accessing College of DuPage Library Resources and Databases from Off-Campus

The Library provides access to most of our electronic resources from off-campus for College of DuPage students, faculty, and staff. Sometimes users may encounter issues getting into our materials from off-campus. Below are solutions to the most common access problems.

Additional resources:

I keep entering my name and barcode and nothing happens!

In the past, users entered their library barcode to access the Library's electronic resources. This is no longer the case. Users now enter their College of DuPage myAccess credentials to access the Library's electronic resources.

Issues with myAccess credentials can be directed to the College of DuPage IT Help Desk at (630) 942-2999 (students - studenthelp@dupage.edu) or (630) 942-4357 (faculty & staff - helpdesk@cod.edu). 

Which browser works best with the Library's databases?

The Library recommends that you use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari when using the Library's databases.

Please note that Internet Explorer is not supported by many major database vendors because IE lacks many modern security and functionality requirements.

Can your browser accept COOKIES?

Use your browser's Privacy & Security or Tools menu to change the security settings.  You will need to set your browser to accept cookies to use the Library databases from home.  If you feel uncomfortable about this, you can clear your browser history after every session. See "How do I clear my browser's history/cache?" below for more information.

If you aren't sure of the browser you are using or if you have cookies enabled, check your system.

How do I clear my browser's history/cache?

Clearing your browser's history and cache fixes 99% of all problems with off-campus database access. The most important things to clear are your browsing history and temp files. You do NOT have to delete your saved passwords or form-fill data. If you've never performed these steps before, this may take a few minutes.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you RESTART your browser after you've cleared your browser's history and cache.

Google Chrome

Click on the three vertical dots at the far upper right. Choose Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data > Cookies and other site data. Finally, choose "Clear Data."

Firefox

Click on the three horizontal lines at the far upper right. Select Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data. Click on "Clear Data." Finally, click "Clear."

Safari

Click on Safari from the top menu and choose Preferences. Select Privacy, then click "Manage Website Data." Click "Remove All", then click "Remove Now." Finally, click "Done."

I keep getting a "SECURITY CERTIFICATE" warning.

These messages refer to potential security certificate issues with third party vendors that the Library partners with.  You can safely accept the risks and continue onto the vendor or database site.

Are you using a FIREWALL on your home computer?

If you are using a firewall on your home computer, add https://cod.idm.oclc.org to your exceptions list.

Are you doing your research from WORK?

You may have to contact your company's system administrator to access our proxy server from your work computer. Ask your system administrator to allow traffic to and from: 132.174.254.47

  • URL: https://library.cod.edu/dbhelp
  • Last Updated: Oct 12, 2021 12:45 PM
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