Off-campus access privileges

Who is eligible for off-campus access?

Our license agreements for many electronic resources restrict access to current Stanford faculty, staff, students, and approved affiliates only.

I have a sponsored SUNet ID, I am eligible for access?

Not necessarily, it depends on your affiliation. Check with the department that sponsors your SUNet ID.

I am an alumni, what resources am I eligible for through the Stanford Alumni Association?

The Stanford Alumni association offers members off-campus access to a few databases. Please contact the Stanford Alumni Association if you have questions about these or other membership benefits.

Configuring your web browser for off-campus access

When do I need to use the off-campus browser settings to access e-resources?

You must configure your web browser to connect through Stanford's authenticated proxy server anytime you are not on Stanford wi-fi, Stanford ethernet, Stanford DSL, or Stanford modem pool. You'll need to configure your browser, for example, when you are:

• off-campus using, for example, your home modem or DSL connection
• using a cellular connection
• using a VPN client
• on campus using Stanford Visitor wi-fi
• on campus using eduroam wi-fi

Lane Medical Library has additional configuration requirements for their resources.

I can't change the browser configuration on this computer, can I still access e-resources?

You will only have access to resources with EZproxy links.

Once I set up my browser for off-campus use, do I ever have to change the settings back?

You may want to revert your browser settings when you are on Stanford's network because connecting through the proxy server may cause extra authentication prompts. You should also revert your settings if you leave Stanford.

Does using a proxy allow Stanford to track all of my Internet browsing?

No, only online resources restricted to the University use are routed through the proxy server.

Do I have to "log in" to get full text access on the journal/publisher website?

If you are connecting through the proxy server, you should not need to log in on a vendor website. Never try to log in with your SUNet ID and password on a non-Stanford website. You will, however, have to log into Stanford's WebAuth when prompted.

I am getting errors or denied access even though I have privileges and have configured my browser for off-campus access, what can I do?

• Check your settings using the instruction for your browser(s) in the menu on the left. If possible, copy and paste the proxy URL to avoid errors.
• Check the SearchWorks record to verify that we have a current subscription.
• Check the SFX page to verify that our subscritpion covers the dates you need.
• Use the link in the SearchWorks record instead of a link from a search engine or bookmark.
• You must use the SearchWorks link if the resource uses TSL/SSL or if the url begins with "https."
• Try an EZproxy link if there is one for the resource you are trying to access.
• Check the system status page for known outages.
• Report a connection problem. We maintain many thousands of links to licensed resources and occasionally links need to be updated.
• Rarely, your Internet provider may block Stanford's proxy server. Ask your Internet provider if they allow "automatic proxy configurations."
• Try deleting all cookies from the remote site (e.g., sciencedirect.com), as well as all stanford.edu cookies, then clear the cache, close all browser windows, and restart.
• Sometimes there are problems for Chrome and Safari users. Try using Firefox.