Off-Campus Access to Library Databases and E-Journals via the Proxy Server

The OSU Libraries proxy server provides off-campus users with access to library article databases and e-journals. Use the proxy server if you need access to the databases and...

  • you are current OSU student, faculty, or staff AND
  • you have a circulation record at OSU Libraries AND
  • your internet provider is located off-campus.

In most cases, patrons who access library databases and e-journals through the OSU Libraries web site will not need to change their browsers to use the proxy server. In rare circumstances, some databases may require modification of browser settings:

Windows (PC) Operating Systems

Mac Operating Systems

Final Instructions
Troubleshooting

Information about your computer (reload this page to verify your proxy configuration):

This computer is accessing the Internet using a private ISP and must be configured using the approriate directions below before accessing any library databases.

Setting your web browser to use a proxy server:

MS Internet Explorer Version 7 & 6, Local Area Network (Cable, DSL) Connection

  1. Open the 'Tools' menu and select 'Internet Options...'
  2. Click on the 'Connections' tab
  3. Select 'LAN Settings'
  4. Check the box next to: 'Use automatic configuration script'
  5. In the space where it says 'Address', enter this URL exactly as follows: http://oasis.oregonstate.edu:8080/proxy.pac
  6. Click on 'OK' then 'OK' again on the 'Internet Options' menu
  7. Proceed to 'Final Instructions' for proxy configuration

MS Internet Explorer Version 7 & 6, Dial-up Modem Connection

  1. Open the 'Tools' menu and select 'Internet Options...'
  2. Click on the 'Advanced' tab, then from the list presented check the option ' Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections' and uncheck 'Use HTTP 1.1'.
  3. Click on the 'Connections' tab
  4. In the 'Dial-up Settings' box, you should see a small icon with the name of your dial-up connection. Click once on the icon to highlight it
  5. Click on the button marked 'Settings'
  6. In the 'Automatic Configuration' area, put a check mark in each of the boxes next to 'Automatically detect settings' and 'Use automatic configuration script'
  7. In the space where it says 'Address', enter this URL exactly as follows: http://oasis.oregonstate.edu:8080/proxy.pac
  8. Click on 'OK' then 'OK' again on the 'Internet Options' menu.
  9. You should now restart your computer to be sure that the new settings have taken effect.
  10. Proceed to 'Final Instructions' for proxy configuration

Netscape version 6 and higher:

Note: Netscape 6.1 and higher are the only versions of Netscape 6 that will function with the proxy server. If you are using Netscape 6.01 or older, you must either upgrade to the newest version of Netscape or use a different browser.

  1. Open the 'Edit' menu and select 'Preferences...'
  2. Click on the triangle next to the 'Advanced' option
  3. Click on 'Proxies'
  4. Click on the 'Automatic proxy configuration URL' button
  5. Enter this URL exactly as follows: http://oasis.oregonstate.edu:8080/proxy.pac
  6. Click 'Reload' and 'OK'
  7. Proceed to 'Final Instructions' for proxy configuration

Mozilla Firefox (PC Version)

  1. Click 'Tools' (on the top menu bar) and select 'Options...'
  2. click on the 'Advanced' icon
  3. click on the 'Network' tab
  4. click on the 'Settings...' button
  5. select 'Automatic proxy configuration URL:'
  6. enter the 'Configuration Location URL' exactly as follows: http://oasis.oregonstate.edu:8080/proxy.pac
  7. click 'Reload' and 'OK'
  8. Proceed to 'Final Instructions' for proxy configuration

Mozilla Firefox (Mac Version)

  1. Click 'Firefox' (on the top menu bar) and select 'Preferences'
  2. click on the 'Advanced' icon
  3. click on the 'Network' tab
  4. click on the 'Settings...' button
  5. select 'Automatic proxy configuration URL:'
  6. enter the 'Configuration Location (URL)' exactly as follows: http://oasis.oregonstate.edu:8080/proxy.pac
  7. click 'Reload' and 'OK'
  8. Proceed to 'Final Instructions' for proxy configuration

Safari 3.X

  1. Click 'Safari' (on the top menu bar) and select 'Preferences'
  2. click on the 'Advanced' icon
  3. click on the 'Proxies: Change Settings..." button (this will take you to the Network panel of System Preferences)
  4. set 'Configure Proxies:' to 'Manually'
  5. under 'Select a proxy server to configure:' check 'Automatic proxy configuration'
  6. enter the 'Proxy Configuration File URL' exactly as follows: http://oasis.oregonstate.edu:8080/proxy.pac
  7. click 'Apply Now'
  8. Proceed to 'Final Instructions' for proxy configuration

Final Instructions

Your browser is now configured for the proxy server; use the OSU Libraries web pages to navigate to the resources you wish to access. When you attempt to access restricted databases or online journals you will be prompted as follows:

Proxy Identification prompt

If you are unable to connect to library databases after following these instructions, please read the Troubleshooting section below, or contact OSU Computer Consulting at (541) 737-3474.

 Troubleshooting

Can't Connect with Internet Explorer

Several older versions of Internet Explorer will not work at all with the proxy server. You can get a current version from the ORSTware CD (available to students, staff, and faculty of OSU) or download it.

If it is not feasible to upgrade your version of Internet Explorer, you can try patching Internet Explorer version 5 or 5.5.

Netscape 6 / Setup for proxy server, but no web pages will load

This was a problem with Netscape 6.01 and 6.0. You can either upgrade to 6.1 or newer, or select Direct Connection in the proxy setup.

Problems with AT&T Cable Modem

AT&T cable modem users may be able to use the proxy server once, but AT&T @Home software rewrites the proxy settings each time the browser is launched. You therefore need to reconfigure the @Home browser each time it is launched. You can get around this by installing a second browser and configuring it for the library proxy server. Copies of Netscape and Internet Explorer are available on the ORSTWare CD, or can be downloaded from the Web.

General Information:

  • Many workplaces run networks that are protected by firewalls. Proxy server access is not possible from these workplaces.
  • Some Internet Service Providers run their own proxy servers and therefore prevent use of other proxy servers by their customers. If you have not yet acquired internet access, be sure to check with your provider before signing on. You may want to connect through the private ISP with whom OSU has contracted (AT&T Global Networks - Look for AT&T Global Network Dialer on the ORSTWare CD).
  • If you are connecting through AOL, you must download a separate browser and configure it to use the proxy server. Launch this browser after you've established your connection with AOL.
  • Internet Explorer seems to be more problematic than Netscape (4.x or earlier) for browser configuration. If you have problems connecting with Internet Explorer, try installing Netscape instead. A free copy is available on the OSUWare CD.