No.13: Remote access
About remote access
Off site access to some electronic resources is via "Remote Patron Authentication". To use this service you must be an RCH staff member, and a library member with a current library card.
Not a library member yet?
Download a registration form or pick one up at the library. Complete the form and return it to the library. Allow a week for processing and a library card to be forwarded. Use the barcode on the back of your library card to access electronic resources. If you need access before receiving your card, contact the library.
Not sure if you are registered, or lost your card?
How to connect
Use the library website in the same way off site as you do on site, and go to the databases or journals that you want to use.
If you are required to authenticate, you will receive a "log in" page. Follow the instructions and provide your library card barcode (14 digits, no spaces). You should then be redirected to your database or journal of choice.
Not all resources are protected in this way.
Some journals and databases need ID and password whether on or off site. Find these in the password list via any "Download Password" link on the Journals List.
You will still need to authenticate via the above method to download the password list from off site.
Some journals require you to set up a personal account while within the hospital network before remote access will be granted. This is indicated on the list with the message “Allows remote use after on site registration”, with a link to further information.
Not all titles are available off site.
Look for the "Allows remote use" message on the journals list. Journal titles without this message are only available on site.
Troubleshooting
- Verify your membership details
- - Go to the Catalogue and select "Renew your loans or check your membership". Enter your barcode to see your details, then select "Profile" and ensure that your library card is current.
- Registered but barcode doesn't work
- - Don't put spaces in the barcode.
- - Check for typos and try again.
- - Contact the library to verify your patron details.
- "Sorry, your card has expired" message when logging in
- - Contact the library. Cards can only be renewed during business hours.
- Browsers
- - Recommended browsers include Firefox 2+ and Internet Explorer 6+. If experiencing problems, try another browser; it may be that problems in one browser do not occur in another.
- - Make sure you are using the latest version of your browser of choice.
- Browser settings
- - Cookies: Your browser should be set to allow cookies. Check your browser's Help for instructions.
- - Javascript: must be enabled. This will be enabled by default in your browser, so if you have not modified this setting, you can safely assume javascript is enabled.
- Firewalls
- - If you run a personal firewall (either independently, or via anti-virus software) you may need to allow traffic from http://dynix2.rch.unimelb.edu.au/. If you still have problems, you may need to temporarily disable your firewall to use remote access.
- Download managers
- - Turn off or disable all download managers or accelerators when connecting to offsite resources via "RPA" (Remote Patron Authentication). These services attempt to download the authentication URL rather than resolve it, so authentication will fail.
- "Error connecting with host" or "Your session timed out" messages during a failed connection attempt
- - Ensure cookies are accepted.
- - If you are using Internet Explorer 6.x, adjust your privacy level (not security level) to "Low", then return to your previous setting after your current session.
- Getting a blank page or excessive browser error messages
- - You may be using an outdated URL, or one that has been saved to bookmarks or favourites. Always access databases and online journals via the library databases and journals list web pages.
- - Empty your browser cache and delete cookies (see your browser's Help for instructions).
More help
- See Fact Sheet no.11 "Library Membership"
- See Fact Sheet no.9 "Accessing online journals and books"
- Contact the library