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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'm ON the VPN and currently have a UCI IP address, but I can't access library resources...

If you're ON the VPN and get a message that you currently have a UCI IP address (Test My Connection), but are still unable to access or use a library resource, please try the following:
 

1. Access resources from a UCI Libraries webpage

Even if you know the UCI Libraries license a database (e.g., Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, etc.), don't attempt to access it from Google or the vendor's website; always access it from a UCI Libraries webpage. Why?

  • Some databases have a special URL that is customized to UCI.
  • Database vendors may advertise content elsewhere that isn't part of our academic subscription.
     

2. Restart your web browser

​​​​Connect to the VPN before opening a web browser, or connect to the VPN and restart your browser. A website on a previously-open browser may not recognize that you just joined a VPN.
 

3. Clear your cache and/or cookies

Your browser's cache or cookie settings can sometimes cause access/usage problems. If you can access other library resources but not that particular resource, try the following:

  • Visit the resource from a different browser (e.g., if you normally use Chrome, try Firefox).
  • Visit the resource from a browser set to incognito/private mode.
  • Clear your browser's cache.
     

4. Refresh your VPN connection

If it has been a while since you connected to the VPN, disconnect and re-connect to the VPN client.
 

5. Disconnect other VPNs and/or proxy servers

If you have other VPNs and/or proxy servers installed on your device, try disconnecting from them first, and then reconnecting to UCI's VPN.