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Connect from Off Campus (VPN)

How to use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access licensed library resources off campus.

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I found a resource outside of a library webpage, and I can’t access it when I’m connected to the VPN.


It’s possible that we don’t license (i.e., subscribe to) it.  We’d love to subscribe to every information resource, but that’s not possible.  You see what we license through these library webpages:

More questions?  That’s OK!  You can Ask a Librarian.   

I logged into Canvas or my UCI unit's intranet, but I can't access a licensed online resource.


These systems are completely separate from UCI's VPN, so they cannot grant remote access to all of UCI's licensed content. You must use the VPN for remote access to the UCI Libraries' resources.

Can I give people who aren't UCI authorized affiliates access to library resources?


If you share your UCI credentials or you share content licensed by the UCI Libraries, that is a violation of our Usage Policy, based on the license agreements that we have with our vendors.  

Under special circumstances, people who are not UCI Authorized Affiliates can be granted a Sponsored UCInetID.  Please visit OIT's Sponsored UCInetID page for a list of circumstances under which Sponsored UCInetIDs are granted. An active UCInetID and password is required to remotely access the UCI Libraries' licensed online resources.

Only UCI faculty, or management-level staff members, or their designees may sponsor someone. The UCI Libraries cannot give out sponsored UCInetIDs because that is outside of our jurisdiction. Please contact your school/departmental IT office and OIT.

How do I access an eBook?


Make sure you’re connected to the VPN. Some eBook publishers have a login screen. If you see one, use your UCInetID and password. Do not use the guest login. 

What happens to my access when I graduate from UCI?


Please visit: Alumni.

I'm a very new student. Why can't I access UCI's licensed online resources?


You may have been assigned a UCInetID, but you must also be actively enrolled. New students get access immediately after they are confirmed to be enrolled. Contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Help Desk for your status.

I'm in a UCI Continuing Ed., Executive Ed., or Foreign Exchange program. How can I access UCI's licensed online resources?


The answer depends on whether you are granted a Sponsored UCInetID and password as part of your program.

Only UCI faculty, or management-level staff members, or their designees may sponsor someone. The UCI Libraries cannot grant Sponsored UCInetIDs because that is outside of our jurisdiction. Please speak with your program administrator.

I have Filing Fee status. Can I access library resources?


If your UCInetID and password are active, then you can access the UCI Libraries' licensed resources on or off campus.  To borrow print materials, you need to purchase a library card.  Visit the Get a Library Card page for details.  Library cards from the UCI Libraries are not linked with UCInetID accounts, so they do not grant remote access to our licensed electronic resources.

I'm on an official Leave of Absence. Can I access library resources?


If your UCInetID and password are active, then you can access the UCI Libraries' licensed resources on or off campus. If your credentials are not active, then you need to work with your departmental leadership and OIT to see if you can obtain a Sponsored UCInetID. Only UCI faculty, or management-level staff, or their designees may sponsor someone.

The UCI Libraries cannot grant sponsored UCInetIDs because that is outside of our jurisdiction.

To borrow print materials, you need to purchase a library card. Visit the Get a Library Card page for details.  Library cards from the UCI Libraries are not linked with UCInetID accounts, so they do not grant remote access to our licensed electronic resources.

I have more remote access questions.