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Internet Connections and Problems

 

There are two major types of connectivity problems that users tend to have:

Problems Connecting to the Internet

Problems Accessing Specific Library Databases and other Library Resources

Problems Connecting to the Internet

If you are utilizing an outside Internet access service provider (e.g., America Online™) you should contact them initially if you are having problems making an Internet connection. If you are able to establish a connection to other resources on the Internet, but unable to connect to UM-St. Louis hosted web pages (URLs ending in "umsl.edu"), you should initially contact the UM-St. Louis Technology Support Center to verify that campus servers are not down.

Problems Accessing Specific Library Databases and other Library Resources

In order to access proprietary UM-St. Louis Databases and other resources (i.e., resources purchased by the Libraries that are restricted to the use of UM-St. Louis faculty, staff, and students) you will need your UMSL MyGateway ID and password. Normally, when you try to access a database or resource you will automatically be prompted to enter your MyGateway ID and password before being allowed to use the database.

You can test if your MyGateway ID and password will allow you to access UM-St. Louis databases by clicking the link below and attempting to log in. Success will be indicated if you receive an alphabetical list of Library databases.

You can only access proprietary Library databases via the Library Home Page or via the "The Library" tab that you will find if you log in to MyGateway or Blackboard course software. If you attempt to access a database directly you will not be prompted for MyGateway ID and password and thus cannot get into the database.

If you have broadband internet service(cable,dsl), you may also use the Cisco VPN Client to access Library databases from home. To download the software go to: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/tsc/umslvpn/vpninstructions.htm

Should you have any problems accessing library databases or resources, you can call the Thomas Jefferson Library Reference Desk at (314) 516-5060 during normal working hours. Alternatively, you can send e-mail using the Library Reference E-Mail Form for assistance. Answers are usually sent by the next working day. For more information go to Remote Assistance From a Librarian.