B.D. Owens Library
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EZProxy Frequently Asked Questions

What is EZproxy?

  • EZproxy provides off-campus users easy access to the B.D. Owens Library electronic resources.
  • Unlike the Microsoft Terminal Server (Remote Desktop), it works independently from operating systems and browsers (except in the case of AOL). Therefore, off-campus users with Apple computers or Firefox can now access library electronic resources without switching computers or browsers.

How do I use it?

  • Currently enrolled Northwest Missouri State University students, faculty, and staff can access B. D. Owens Library’s electronic resources using a valid Northwest Network ID (your NWMSU email ID without “@nwmissouri.edu”) and its password to authenticate it.
  • Please contact the Client Computing Information Systems Helpdesk at (660) 562-1634 if you have a problem with your ID or have forgotten your password.
  • If you’re accessing Owens Library web pages on campus, you don’t need EZproxy and will not be asked to enter an ID and password. However, when you come to B.D. Owens Library web pages from off campus and click a link to a restricted resource, you will be redirected to a login page asking for your ID and password. Follow the instructions on the page. If you cannot pass this login page, please contact the Client Computing Information Systems Helpdesk at (660) 562-1634 to troubleshoot problems with your ID and password.

I logged in to EZproxy but nothing seems to happen.

  • Please check these four settings in your browser:
    1. Popup blocker:
      Disable pop-up blockers while you are accessing the restricted databases through EZproxy.
    2. Firewall:
      If you see "this page cannot be displayed," it usually means a firewall issue on your side. If you have installed personal firewall software such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee Internet Security Suite, you either need to allow access to ezproxy.nwmissouri.edu (or 198.209.246.37) per port or add ezproxy.nwmissouri.edu as a safe site.
    3. Cookies: Check Cookies
      EZproxy and some databases send "cookies" when you connect to them to verify that you are an authorized user. If your browser reports an error receiving a "cookie," you have to enable them in your browser settings.
      The default setting for most browsers will accept EZproxy cookies without a problem. However, if you changed it, you will see a blank page. Change browser options to accept all cookies.
    4. JavaScript: Check JavaScript
      Again, the default setting for most browsers will work well with EZproxy’s JavaScript. However, if you changed it, you will need to enable it again in order to access the library databases.

I can use it at home, but not at work.

  • Many corporate, government, and educational institutions use firewalls for security purposes and block every port other than standard web browser ports. You need to discuss EZproxy with your network administrator, asking her/him to enable it. If you need more information, please email Sarah Park

I got a hostname error.

  • This means you tried to access a database or web site that has not been configured through EZproxy. The database company may have changed their web address or it may not be a web site that requires EZproxy. Please send Sarah Park an email that includes the error message.

"Page not found," "Cannot find server or DNS," or browser waits and waits.

  • This usually means there is an issue in the Northwest Missouri State University Campus Network. Please send Sarah Park an email that includes the error message

Persistent Article URL (Bookmark and Favorites) does not work with EZproxy.

  • If you want to access to the article directly from off campus, please add this string http://www.nwmissouri.edu/library/ipchecking.asp? (including the question mark) in front of the URL for the article. For example, if the URL is http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1217862.1217864 and you want to access the article from off campus, your URL should be http://www.nwmissouri.edu/library/ipchecking.asp?http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1217862.1217864

If you have other questions not listed here.

Revised (March 19, 2008)
Created (March 2008)
Current Author: Sarah Park and Connie Ury