How to Access Databases

The NSU Libraries provide access to many electronic resources, including subscription databases. For details on how to access databases, scroll through the following sections:

Authorized Users | Browser Requirements | Log in Procedure

Authorized Users

Due to licensing restrictions, subscription databases are available to authorized library patrons only. The table below describes the requirements to qualify as an authorized user. You may check NovaCat to see if your NSU library account is active.

Library Patron	Requirements
NSU students, faculty and staff	Must be registered/employed for the current semester.
NSU alumni	Must register. Sign up for this benefit via Alumni Relations
Broward County residents and employees of Broward County	Must have an NSU library card. Broward County library card is not accepted. How to get an NSU library card.
Walk-in users	Must present themselves in person at the Reference Desk during regular desk hours.

Browser Requirements

All public terminals in the Alvin Sherman Library are set to allow database use. For remote access from your home, office or another off-campus location, please be sure you have a compatible browser version installed. Download compatible browsers and plug-ins from our Toolbox. If you have an AOL, MSN or CompuServe version of a browser see AOL, MSN and CompuServe Internet Browsers.

To access most databases, your browser should be set to do the following. For instructions on how to check and modify your browser settings, see Internet browser settings.

• Accept cookies
• Enable JavaScript
• Check for new versions of web pages every time they are accessed

Log In Procedure

Follow these steps to log in to a database:

1. Go to the Alvin Sherman Library home page at http://www.nova.edu/library/main/
   
   
2. In the black navigation bar across the top, click on Electronic Resources, then click Databases. For future reference, this navigation bar is available on every page of the library Website, so you can link to Electronic Resources from any page.
   
   
3. Depending on your affiliation with the library, click on NSU Patron, NSU Alumni, Broward Patron, or Walk-in Visitor.
   
   
4. An authentication screen will appear:
   
   
   
   
5. Enter your last name and your University ID number. The table below indicates the number you should use as your University ID number.
   
   

   Library Patron	University ID Number for Log in
   NSU students, faculty and staff	University-issued ID number (About the NSU ID number...)
   NSU alumni	Social Security number.
   Broward County residents and employees of Broward County	14-digit library ID number that appears on the back of your NSU library card. See library card
   Walk-in users	Log in by librarian.

   
   
6. Click the Submit button. Because your identifying information is encrypted at our secure server, a small window will appear asking if you wish to continue before going on to an insecure database. Please note that your identifying information is NOT forwarded to the insecure site/page. Click on the Yes or Continue button.
   
   
7. A Database List Search screen will open where you may select a list of databases by various criteria:
   
   Browse by database name
   For a list of databases beginning with a particular letter of the alphabet, click on the letter. Use this option when you know the name of a database.
   
   OR
   
   Browse by subject
   For a list of databases on a particular subject, click on the name of the subject area. Use this option to discover which databases may contain the information you seek.
   
   OR

   For a complete alphabetical list, click on "See all databases." Depending on your Internet connection speed, the complete list may be slow to download.
   
   OR
   
   Browse by type of material
   For a list of databases with a certain type of content, click on the desired content type.
   
   OR
   
   Databases for K-12 (Broward, NSU alumni, and walk-in patrons)
   For a list of databases geared towards Kindergarten through Grade 12, click on Get List. K-12 students: use for homework and learning more. K-12 teachers: use to develop lesson plans and assignments.
   

8. A Database List will open. Scroll down to view all relevant databases. Click on VIEW LEGEND for an explanation of the icons.
   
   

   The legend icons indicate access permissions for each database. If you'd like to view more information about a particular database, click on:  A pop-up window will appear with database details. Be sure to close the pop-up window afterwards. If you'd like to get help on a particular datbase, click on:  You will be linked to a list with links to database tutorials, help sheets and other help documents.

   
   
   
9. Click on the name of the database you wish to use. You should be logged in automatically. Please note, if you attempt to access a Walk-in only database from off-campus. You will not be logged in.
   
   
10. When finished using a database, please click on log off or exit. When leaving a public computer station, please close all browser windows to protect your account information.
    
    
11. If you have any difficulties accessing or searching a database or other electronic resource, please see Troubleshooting, or contact the Reference Desk.