Technical Help
If you review this information and it doesn't solve your problem, please complete the
Technical Problems Reporting Form. Describe the problem
in as much detail as possible, noting what error message you are getting,
if any.
Using Computers in the Libraries
The Libraries Website
Databases and Journal Articles
The Library Catalog
RefWorks
Using Computers in the Libraries
How do I log on to a computer in the
Libraries?
Students, faculty and staff use their PODS username and password. You can use the BU Brain to verify your username and initial POD password. Please contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance. Courtesy borrowers and community patrons need to obtain a guest account from a Library service desk.
Is there wireless access in the Libraries?
Students, faculty, and staff have access to BU's wireless network. For more information see the
Binghamton University Wireless
website.
How can I save documents I'm working on in
the Libraries?
Students, faculty, and staff have 50 MB of storage space on the Bingsuns
H (samba) drive. You can access this drive from any computer in the library or
PODs once you have logged in (see above) and you can
access it from any web browser anywhere using SSL. For more help with your
Bingsuns account please contact
the ITS Help Desk.
The Library Website
How do I use the
Libraries website from off campus?
Most the website is accessible off campus
without any special login. However, to get full access
to subscribed databases, e-journals and other online resources marked 
,
you will need to log in with your PODS user name and password.
- If you connect to the Library Website using SSL or through Road Runner or another Internet Service Provider, you will be prompted to log in with your PODS username and password when you attempt to access a subscribed resource.
- You can find a database by name or subject by directly accessing metaLINK, the Libraries' gateway to databases.
- You can browse journals by title or subject by directly accessing the Journal and e-book Portal.
- If you know that the Libraries subscribes to a particular resource e.g. JSTOR paste the url into the box (including the http:// prefix) and click QuickProxy.
I'm having problems authenticating from off campus.
Off campus access to subscribed library resources is restricted by license agreements to purposes of research, teaching, and private study by
current BU faculty, staff, and students. Alumni, guest, volunteer, and community users are not given access to subscribed library resources from off-campus. This violates our license agreements with our database providers.
If you are unable to authenticate, first check that your
PODS account is active. If you are unable to access your PODS information you will need to visit the ITS Help Desk, located in the Computer Center lobby or call (607)777-6420.
If you have a valid PODS account but continue to experience problems authenticating
contact us. Please include your email address and PODS user name when replying.
I got to a "BU only" resource
but it isn't working properly. What should I do?
- Try accessing another website to make sure your internet
connection is working.
- Many "BU only" resources
require a recent version of Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome.
- Make sure that JavaScript is enabled.
- Make sure that your browser is set to accept cookies.
- Still not working? Complete the Technical Problems Reporting Form . Describe the problem
in as much detail as possible, noting what error message you are getting, if any.
Accessing Databases and E-Journals
I am trying to open a database/article but I get asked for a username and password.
- Confirm that the Libraries has a subscription to the database or e-journal. It is possible that the library may not have complete fulltext access to a journal so always double check the holdings.
- If you receive an error message or are promoted for payment to a subscribed resource it is possible there may be a problem with the subscription. Please contact Ask a Librarian.
The fulltext of the article is missing from an online journal
- Confirm that the Libraries has a subscription to the e-journal. It is possible that the Libraries may not have complete fulltext access to a journal so always double check the holdings.
- If the article does not appear fulltext or you are promoted for payment to a subscribed resource it is possible there may be a problem with the subscription. Please contact Ask a Librarian.
I am trying to open an article but I get a blank screen.
This problem is often solved by upgrading to the latest
version of Adobe Reader. If that doesn't work, go to Adobe Reader Edit menu, select Preferences, select Internet, and uncheck the box
to "Display PDF in browser." If you are still having problems complete the Technical Problems Reporting Form.
I get a funny error message when I try to
view an article.
Please copy the message and complete the Technical Problems Reporting Form.
What are acceptable uses of "BU only" resources?
See these links for more information.
Acceptable use of BU only resources | Binghamton University Copyright Policy | Binghamton University Computer and Network Policy
Library Catalog
Do I have to sign in to use the Library Catalog?
No, but if you sign in you will be able to view your
library account information, such as items checked out, and renew items, place
holds, and more. Sign in to Library Catalog and enter your PODS userid and password. View a tutorial for additional assistance on renewing items.
Community borrowers sign in to Library Catalog using the library barcode on your borrowing card.
Your User ID is your library barcode, on the back of your ID card, without
the leading "29091" prefix
and leading zeros. Your password is the last four digits of your Social Security
Number.
Why do I see funny characters when I use
the Library Catalog?
You need a Unicode font to allow you to see special characters and non-Roman
alphabets (such as Polish "I", musical flat, Arabic, Cyrillic, and
Hebrew), which non-Unicode fonts cannot display. You can use the Library Catalogue without
a Unicode font, but these special characters and alphabets will not display
correctly.
Can I use RefWorks with the Library Catalog?
The Library Catalog can be searched through the RefWorks interface. After signing into RefWorks, click on "Search," then select "Online Catalog or Database." On the search screen, if "Binghamton University Libraries" doesn't display, select it under "Online Catalog or Database to Search." RefWorks Help
Can I use EndNote with the Library Catalog?
Yes. See our connection and configuration information.
Can I use Z39.50 to connect the Library Catalog?
Yes. See our connection and configuration information.
RefWorks
I'm being asked for a GroupCode.
This is likely for two reasons:
- You created your account while off campus, or through the proxy server. Create a new account while on campus and not logged in using the proxy server or SSL server.
- There is a problem with the Libraries' proxy server. Try to access other library resources to determine if the problem is limited to just Refworks, or if it is affecting all of the Libraries' off-campus access. You can also try to empty your browsers history and cache, or switch browsers.
If you are still having problems, please contact
Ask a Librarian.
I'm having problems exporting references into RefWorks.
Many databases allow you to directly export citations into Refworks. Every database is slightly different, but in general, first add your citations to a folder or marked list within the database. Next open the folder, select the items, and follow the instructions to export to RefWorks.
If you are unsure of how to import references from a given database, RefWorks provides detailed
vendor and database-specific instructions on how to import citations. It is always possible to add a citation manually into RefWorks by selecting References > Add New Reference. Contact
Ask a Librarian if you need additional assistance.
