Off-Campus Access: Questions and Answers for Users

What are proxy servers and VPNs for?

Most electronic resources are licensed by the library from companies in business for profit. The terms of the contracts with these companies stipulate that the library allow only UC faculty, students and staff to use these materials.

Consequently, when you are off campus you will not be able to access many of the online journals and databases that you could access while on campus unless you use your campuses' proxy server or Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Note: For technical and contractual reasons there may be some resources that are not accessible from off campus at all.

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and vendor web sites so that these web sites think that your off-campus computer is on campus (accessing from a valid UC IP address).

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows secure communication through public computer networks. VPNs use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted. VPNs provide more functionality than proxy servers.

When should I use the proxy server or VPN?

When you are off campus and are connecting to library resources (e.g., from your home via DSL, cable, or a non-UC dial-up, such as AOL or Netcom), you should use the remote access method provided by your campus.

Who is eligible to use a proxy server or VPN?

At most campuses, staff and faculty with UC appointments and all students in UC degree-granting programs are eligible; to find out if you are eligible, please consult the section of your campus web site listed below.

UC alumni are NOT eligible.

How do I set up my computer to use a proxy server or VPN?

Use the URLs below to learn more about these services on your campus and to get instructions for getting started.

UCB:	Remote access to library resources for UCB patrons  (proxy server, VPN)
UCD:	Remote access to library resources for UCD patrons  (proxy server)
UCI:	Remote access to library resources for UCI patrons   (VPN)
UCLA:	Remote access to library resources for UCLA patrons: Bruin OnLine (proxy server, VPN)
UCM:	Remote access to library resources for UCM patrons  (VPN)
UCR:	Remote access to library resources for UCR patrons   (VPN)
UCSB:	Remote access to library resources for UCSB patrons  (proxy server, VPN)
UCSC:	Remote access to library resources for UCSC patrons: OCA (proxy server)
UCSD:	Remote access to library resources for UCSD patrons  (proxy server, VPN)
UCSF:	Remote access to library resources for UCSF patrons   (VPN)
UCOP:	Send an email to PCHelp@ucop.edu from your work email account [i.e., firstname.lastname@ucop.edu] explicitly requesting a UCOP Library proxy server or VPN UserID and Password.  (proxy server, VPN)

Where do I report an error related to off-campus access?

You need to contact your campus directly to report problems. Information about where to report problems is available on the campus web sites listed above.