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Technical Tips for Database Access

An Internet Check List for Database Access (see below for details):

• Use a fully featured web browser, and be sure to update to the most recent version.
• Check your CONSULS login/Library PIN .
• Enable browser cookies & allow database sites if necessary.
• Check "Blocked List" on your computer firewall.
• Popups are allowed for ctstateu.edu, southernct.edu (for email), refworks.com (for Refworks), and the WebCT servers. Remember to check for additional pop-up blockers on browser tool bars and security software as well as the browser itself.
• Update Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDF files (databases and e-reserves).
• Protect your computer. Use virus protection software, firewalls, and adware/spyware protection software.

Frequent problems:

I use the AOL browser.

• The AOL browser does not have the full capabilities of most modern browsers and may cause problems in some databases. Once you are on the Internet, minimize the AOL browser and open another browser. Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox and Opera are available for free downloads.

I clicked on the Library tab/link in MySCSU and am having trouble.

• If the Library Home Page appears in the MySCSU frame (you can still see the MySCSU top section above the Library Home Page), you may have trouble accessing the databases. You can go directly to the Library Home Page at or rightclick on the MySCSU library link and choose Open in New Window.

How do I get to the databases?

• The best way to get to the databases is from the Online Databases link on the Library Home Page. There is also a link in the CONSULS library catalog.

What ID and PIN/password do I use?

• You must use your Southern ID number (70xxxxx) and the Library PIN that you create. OnlineCSU numbers will not work, and ID numbers from other CSU campuses will only allow access to databases subscribed to by the other libraries. The Library PIN is not the same as any other campus password. Check you Library login at http://www.consuls.org/patroninfo/. Contact the Circulation Desk at 203-392-5756 if you have questions about your library account or you have forgotten your library PIN. See Creating your Library PIN for instructions and a video tutorial.
• It looks like you can create a new PIN at the database login screen. However, creating PINs in the CONSULS login is more reliable.

I get an "Invalid PIN" error message.

• To reset your PIN, call the Circulation Desk at (203) 392-5756 and ask them to delete your PIN. Then go to http://www.consuls.org/patroninfo/ and create a new PIN.

I get a "Cannot locate patron record" error message.

• You are not using your Southern ID number, or the Library has not received an update on your account yet. Contact the Circulation Desk at (203) 392-5756 to check the status of your library record.

I can log into CONSULS, but not the databases.

• Cookies must be enabled to use the databases. Cookie settings are usually found in your web browser under Tools, then Options, then Security. Different browsers may have the settings under different menus, so you may need to consult your help files. You will have to set the cookie options for every browser that you use. Default settings in most browsers will allow for database use.

I can't get past the verification screen. It just keeps coming back to the ID/PIN form.

• You probably do not have cookies enabled at all, or have blocked the ctstateu.edu domain.

I can get into the databases but it won't let me search, show me any of my results, and/or access the full text articles. I am getting error messages about "sessions".

• You probably have cookies enabled, but have the ctstateu.edu domain blocked.

• Firewalls can also sometimes prevent access to database websites. You may have to add the database site or the ctstateu.edu domain to your firewall "allowed" list to access the databases. It is almost always better to learn how to set your security settings to allow access to particular sites than to turn off your security programs. Check your help files, visit the websites of your security program vendor, or contact the SCSU Helpdesk or another computer assistance program for more information.

I can get in, search, and see results, but I can't view any PDF full text (databases and e-reserves).

• You may not have a recent enough version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download a new version from the Adobe website.

I've clicked on something and nothing happened, or I'm getting an error message about popups.

• Some databases and sites require the use of popups. If you have popup blockers (included in some browsers and in many browser toolbars, like Google and Yahoo!), then you will need to allow popups for ctstateu.edu (for databases). You should also allow popups for myscsu.southernct.edu or southernct.edu for access to your MySCSU email.
• It is possible to turn off the view of a toolbar, but still have it actively blocking popups. Check the View menu in your browser for a list of installed toolbars. Activate each one to access the popup blocker settings.
• Some browsers have popup blockers built in. You will usually see some sort of alert that a popup has been blocked, with the opportunity to allow popups for that site. You can usually access popup blocker settings in Tools, Options (Tools, Edit, or File menu), or Preferences (Edit or File menu).

My computer runs very slowly and/or I get a lot of popup ads on the Southern/Buley sites.

• There are no ads on the University websites. If you are getting popup ads, your computer has probably been infected by malicious adware (programs that deliver advertising and/or track your online actions to gain demographic or personal information.) You should regularly check your system with an adware/spyware remover program, such as the ones listed in this PC World article. Many have free versions available for download over the Internet.
• If your computer runs very slowly, you may need hardware or software updates, or your computer may be infected by a virus or adware/spyware. Symantec (makers of the Norton Security products) has an online system scan, and their security site has a variety of news, warnings, and removal tools. Many ISP's offer free anti-virus software and Microsoft Windows XP and Mac OSX have built in firewalls.
• Southern offers students a free download of McAfee's anti-virus software. Log into MySCSU to download your copy for Windows or Mac.