Proxy Server Instructions for Off-Campus Access
Most of the databases and ejournals provided by Washington University Libraries are on the Web but are not free. We purchase access to them from companies. Our agreements with them limit access to current WU students, faculty, and staff. If you are not on the WU campuses, the companies do not know that you are affiliated with the University, so you are denied access.
When off-campus, you may use this link to log in to the proxy server when you begin your web session:
Proxy Server Login for Off-Campus Access
If you don't log in before you begin, you should be presented with the proxy login screen at whatever point you would need to log in when using the Library website from off-campus:
- Access the WU Libraries' homepage, at http://library.wustl.edu/.
- Find and click on the resource you want to connect to.
- The first time you do this each time you open your browser, you should see the Proxy Server Login for Off-Campus Access form that asks for your WU ID number (usually 6 digits), and your library password. This is the one you use to log on to the Library public computers (and for printing in the Libraries), and for ILLiad. Not sure what password this is? Here's more info.
- Fill in the requested information, and click on the 'Login' button.
- You will be connected to the resource. You should not be challenged again for your ID and password - until you turn off your computer, or close your browser.
If you access library resources from off-campus frequently, you can bookmark the Proxy Server Login page in your web browser, and start from that logon, if you wish. When you start from that URL (rather than clicking on a URL in the website or in Find it!, etc.), you'll be directed to the Library homepage after logging in. You'll know you are 'proxied' when you see 'libproxy.wustl.edu' in the first part of the URL in your browser's address bar. If you type in a new URL in the browser’s address box you will leave the proxy service.
Another option for off-campus access: install the LibX Toolbar in your web browser. Among its options is one to right-click a link or a webpage and send it through the proxy server, when you're off-campus and have been denied access to something.
And yet another option for invoking the proxy server: add this Proxy it! bookmarklet to your web browser, and send webpages through the proxy server with one click.
If you maintain pages of links, or wish to put 'proxied' URLs into Telesis or ERes, please visit Directing Links Through the Proxy Server for information.
Please use this form to let us know if you run into any sites that you can’t access – especially if they are electronic resources that you would get through the Libraries.
This proxy server does not require you to change your browser settings. If you used the old proxy service, you may have changed some browser settings and you can now delete those. Here's how.
Password info:
If your library password is not working, do these two steps to fix it:
Step 1: Reset your library password. You will receive an email message with your temporary password. This password will not work for proxy server and ILLiad login - so go on to step 2!
Step 2: Change your library password. Passwords must be at least 6 characters, contain at least one upper-case letter (A - Z), at least one lower-case letter (a - z), and at least one number (0 - 9).
Need help?
- Call the Help Desk, at 314-935-5410.
- Email passwordhelp@wumail.wustl.edu (answered all hours the Reference Help Desk is open). Include your first and last names and WU ID number in your message.
- Visit the Help Desk, Level 1, Olin Library.