 |
||||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
General Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having difficulty accessing and/or using the library's online databases, please check these general troubleshooting tips first, particularly if you are having problems with all or most databases.
To ensure access and functionality for all databases, please be sure you have a compatible browser version installed. You may 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
If you are unable to view or open certain file types from databases, please be sure that you have the current version of the appropriate plug-ins installed. Examples include Adobe Reader for PDF files, Flash and Shockwave Players, and audio and video players. Current plug-ins can be downloaded from our Toolbox.
Firewalls are used to prevent unauthorized access to a network or computer. They often permit only one-way access to the Internet. The library's online databases, however, require two-way communication in order to receive search requests and return search results. If you have a personal firewall and are having problems accessing a database, you may need to disable the firewall while using that database, or create an exception per your firewall instructions. Please note: Disabling the firewall may make your computer or network vulnerable to intrusions. If you are part of a network (school or company), then you should contact your Systems Administrator about possible firewall issues.
Windows XP includes its own firewall called Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), or Windows Firewall (XP Service Pack 2). If it is enabled, it is possible that it may cause problems accessing databases. See Windows XP and Windows Firewall for further details.
Filtering software designed for parental control, ad-filtering software
and pop-up preventers may cause problems with databases. If you experience
connectivity problems, these filters may need to be removed or disabled.
If you are part of a network that is using filtering software, then
you should contact your Systems Administrator and request assistance.
|
|
|
Problems at Authentication Screen
Q: After entering my last name and ID
number, a Security Alert appears.
A: The NSU Libraries authentication
process takes place via a secure socket (note that the URL for the authentication
screen starts with https). Your identifying information (name and ID
number) is encrypted for your protection. The Security Alert is to advise
you that the next Web page is not secure. However, your information
has already been processed at the secure server and will NOT be forwarded
to the next page or server. Click on the Yes or Continue button in order
to continue. If you click No, you will not be able to access databases.
Q: After entering my last name and ID
number, I do not get a list of databases. I get a blank page.
A: In order for all library Web pages
to function correctly, your Internet browser must be set so that Javascript
is enabled. See About Java and Javascript
for detailed information on enabling Javascript.
Q: After entering my last name and ID
number, I do not get a list of databases. The error message indicates
that the page or server is currently unavailable.
A: The server that produces the database list
pages may be down. Please link to our Back-up
database lists. Please note that these pages are not updated as
frequently as the regular pages and should only be used as a back up.
Q: After entering my last name and ID
number, the authentication screen returns with one of the following
messages:
· Sorry, name entered does not match name in record
· Sorry, cannot locate patron record
A: Be sure to use the correct identifying
information as described in the table below.
| NSU Patrons & NSU Alumni | Broward Patrons |
|
Use the same last name as you used to register as a student, employee, or alumnus. |
Use the same last name you used to register for your NSU library card. |
| The University ID number for NSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni is issued by the University. If you do not know your NSU ID number, see the NSU ID webpage. DO NOT use your NSU email username and password, nor your Webstar PIN number at the library authentication screen. |
Be sure you are using the 14-digit library card number from your NSU Library card. The number from a Broward County Library card will NOT work. Also, try re-entering the information again. It is particularly easy to make a keying error when entering the 14-digit library card number. |
| If you have a public NSU Library card, but have enrolled at NSU, your NSU ID number will take precedence over your library card number. Use your NSU ID number instead. | If you have a public NSU Library card, but have enrolled at NSU, your student ID number will take precedence over your library card number. Use your student ID number (usually your Social Security number) instead. |
| If you are an NSU student, but are not currently enrolled at NSU, OR if you are an NSU alumnus, you will not be able to access the databases as an NSU patron. If you are an NSU alumnus, you may register as an alumnus and access the databases as an NSU alumnus. If you are a Broward County resident, you may apply for an NSU library card and access as a Broward patron. Otherwise databases will only be available on a walk-in basis. | Check NovaCat to see if you have a current NSU Library account. |
| Check NovaCat to see if you have a current NSU Library account. |
Q: After entering my last name and
ID number, I get one of the following error messages:
· 403 Forbidden
· You are not authorized to view this page
· No access permitted from <computer
IP address>
A: The database you selected may
not be available remotely. Please check the database list for the access
icon. Only those databases preceded by a 'R' icon: 
may be accessed remotely.
Q: After entering my last name and ID
number, there is no error message, but a cleared authentication screen
reappears.
A: This problem occurs if your browser
settings have ever been configured to use the old library proxy server.
This results in a conflict with our current authentication process.
Check your browser settings to be sure that your browser is NOT configured
to use the library proxy server. See instructions.
|
|
|
Problems at Database List Screens
Q: When I click on the Get List button
at the database list search page, nothing happens.
A: Be sure you've made a selection from one of
the drop-down menus and click the Get List button for that menu.
|
|
|
Still Need Help?
If you are having problems with a particular database or group of databases (for example, all Ovid or all FirstSearch databases), see Troubleshooting problems with specific databases.
Or contact the Reference Desk for further assistance.
The ASLRITC is a joint-use facility between Nova Southeastern University and the Broward Cty. Board of County Commissioners
Patron Portals ::
Electronic Resources ::
Services ::
About Us ::
Help ::
Home
Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. · Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314
Contact the library online or by phone (954-262-4600)
Copyright © 2008 ·
Webmaster
Last updated:
September 16, 2005