Remote Access Troubleshooting

Having trouble using library databases, journals, and other resources outside the library building? This page lists solutions to some of the more common problems.

Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Are you an employee or currently registered student at the University of Maine?
2. Are you blocked before you can enter your name and barcode?
3. What browser are you using?
4. Are you using a wireless connection?
5. Have you adjusted the settings on your browser software?
6. Are you able to access some library databases and electronic resources, but not others?
7. Are you having trouble opening or printing PDF files?
8. Are you having trouble finding articles or information on your topic?

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1. Are you an employee or currently registered student at the University of Maine?

• Some licensed electronic resources are restricted to University of Maine students, faculty, and staff only:
  • Databases available by UMS campus
  • Databases available statewide.
• University of Maine student? You may need to activate your MaineCard in person at Fogler Library before remotely accessing electronic resources. You should have access within 3 business days.
• Distance education student?
  • Call 800-339-7323 (Maine only) or 888-266-4950 (outside Maine) to apply for a library card.
  • Apply for a library card online.
• See the Barcode Issues FAQ.

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2. Are you blocked before you can enter your name and barcode?

• Try deleting cookies and temporary files from your computer. See Recommended Browser Settings for instructions.
• Try closing your browser and reopening it.

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3. What browser are you using?

• We strongly recommend using the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.
• Using an Internet service provider via a recommended web browser? Connect to your account, and launch a new window, or a new tab within the browser, for use when connecting to electronic resources.

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4. Are you using a wireless connection?

• Contact the IT Help Center at 581-2506 or helpcenter@umit.maine.edu

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5. Have you adjusted the settings on your browser software?

• Check the Recommended Browser Settings.

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6. Are you able to access some library databases and electronic resources, but not others?

• Look up the resource in the URSUS catalog to see if it is licensed for "Restricted Access." Some licensed electronic resources are restricted to a particular campus, or even use only within the library building.
  • Example: Resource restricted to several campuses
  • Example: Resource restricted to a single campus
• Wait a few minutes and try again. Some databases accept a limited number of simultaneous users.
• Try deleting cookies and temporary files from your computer. See Recommended Browser Settings for instructions.
• Try closing your browser and reopening it.
• Using a firewall, security software, or privacy software? Lower the security level or adjust your setup to allow referring URLs. Contact your network administrator, contact the software technical support service, or check the software manual for directions.

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7. Are you having trouble opening or printing PDF files?

• Getting a blank printout? Use the printer icon on the Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader toolbar.
• Don't have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader installed on your computer? Download Adobe Reader and install it.
• Using a screen reader?
  • Open the file using Adobe software, save it as text, and use your reader.
  • Open the file using Adobe Reader, and select View > Read Out Loud to use Adobe as a screen reader.
• Try a different browser. We strongly recommend that Windows users use the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Opera and Macintosh users use the latest version of Safari or Opera.
• Try deleting cookies and temporary files from your computer. See Recommended Browser Settings for instructions.
• Set up Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader as a helper application, not a plug-in.
  • Configure Acrobat or Reader for Internet Explorer/Windows.
  • Configure Acrobat or Reader for Internet Explorer/Macintosh.
• Using a Macintosh?
  • Close any other applications you have open, except your browser.
  • Try saving the file, renaming it, or selecting Adobe software to read the file.

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8. Are you having trouble finding articles or information on your topic?

• Ask A Librarian for assistance.
• Call the Reference Desk at (207) 581-1673 or the Science & Engineering Center at (207) 581-1691.

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Need further help? You can:

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Created by: Library Staff | Revised: 12/26/2012