Proxy FAQ (EZproxy)

1.     Why is a proxy service needed? 

Most of the The University Library’s electronic resources, that are accessible via the Internet, are restricted by licensing to Georgia State University students, faculty and staff. This restriction is accomplished by limiting access to IP addresses that fall within the Georgia State University IP Domain (131.96.*.* or gsu.edu). As a result, access is normally unavailable to anyone located "off-campus" (or outside the Georgia State University Domain of IP addresses). The University Library proxy service allows you to access these resources from off-campus.

2.     What is the proxy service? 

The proxy service consists of a proxy server and software that serves as an intermediary between you and the campus network. When you access the Library’s electronic resources from a remote location off-campus the proxy service identifies your computer’s IP address as being out of the GSU Domain. The service provides a web page for you to enter your Campus ID (located on the back of your Panthercard ) and password (students use the same password used for campus computer labs, uLearn, or GoSOLAR; faculty/staff use the same password used for Easyview ). This user information is then checked against the campus LDAP database and, if valid, it "authenticates" you and authorizes your access to the resources. The service, from that point forward, serves as a "proxy" between your computer and the electronic resources and forwards all your requests for resources.

3.     Do I need to configure my browser software or computer in any way? 

Your browser must be set to accept "cookies" (this is usually a browser’s default setting). The proxy service uses "cookies" to exchange and store authentication information.

If cookies are turned off you will either receive an error message or you may be required to re-authenticate each time you send an electronic resource a request. It is also possible that particular databases and electronic resources might also use cookies and thus be required for their use.

4.     Do I have to authenticate myself every time I want to access electronic resources?

You have to authenticate yourself each time you first attempt to connect to any of the resources. Upon authentication your session will last for approximately two (2) hours and then you will be asked to re-authenticate. You would also be asked to re-authenticate if you exit your browser or shutdown your computer at anytime.

5.     How do I quit or log out of a session? 

You may just shut down or exit (or quit) your browser software. This should terminate your connection and close most sessions although it is possible for some sessions to persist for the full two hours.

Note: Exiting or quitting your browser also serves as a way to prevent unauthorized access via your computer should you have to leave it at any time.

6.     How do I access electronic resources via the proxy server?

Go to the Library's List of Electronic Resources & Databases or the Electronic Journal Locator and choose the resource in which you are interested.  If proxy access is available and you have not already been authenticated, you will be prompted to login.

7.     What should I do if the proxy service does not work properly? 

If your authentication efforts fail, you should first check to make sure that you are entering your Campus ID and password correctly. If the problem persists, please try changing your password by visiting the CampusID web page and clicking the link to Change your CampusID password. If you are still having difficulty authenticating, please contact the IS&T help desk at 404-413-HELP or by email at help@gsu.edu.  The help desk should be able to assist you in resetting your password.

Page updated on: October 2, 2008