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Rensselaer Libraries' Web Proxy Service

Related topics:

Because most library databases, ejournals and ebooks are restricted to Rensselaer computer addresses (i.e., they are "IP-restricted"). Off-campus users who use an independent service provider (ISP), e.g. Road Runner or Earthlink, must use the Libraries' web proxy service in order to access these resources.

This requires changing your browser setting and knowing your Rensselaer RIN and Library PIN numbers in order to be authenticated by the Libraries' local information system.

Important : Before you can access your RIN and Library PIN, you must first obtain your RCS ID and password. The Libraries do not assign, and cannot obtain, your RCS ID and password.

Accessing from a computer at work?: If you are behind a corporate firewall, you will not be able to configure the proxy service.


Who can use the Libraries' Proxy Service:

    Any current Troy campus (including Troy-based PD&E) student, faculty, or staff member who has a valid RIN and Library PIN.

Important : You must first verify that your library PIN works to access your library record before you set up this proxy service. If you're unable to access your patron record, contact circ-support@rpi.edu or call the Circulation Desk at (518) 276-8310 to request help with a non-working PIN.

Configuring your browser for the Proxy Service

    Use this link, configure your browser, for instructions about configuring your browser.

    After configuring your browser when you try to use a restricted library resource, you will be asked for your RIN and Library PIN when you try to connect to an electronic database or journal.

    If you have any questions, or any problems with using the proxy service, please contact Library Support.

Notes:

  • You do NOT need to use the Proxy Service if you are dialing in from home or work to Rensselaer's Dial-Up Modem Pool.
  • The Library Proxy Service may not work use the Proxy Server if you are trying to search the databases from any location using a firewall or another proxy server. For example, many corporations require employees to use firewalls. In most cases, a user behind a firewall can still access the FirstSearch databases.
  • Privacy notification: In order to ensure that our proxy server is only being used by valid Rensselaer accounts, we need to keep logs of proxy server use. Proxy logs are only used to ensure system security. These logs record your actions at the proxied sites you visit, but ONLY when you are using the proxy server.
  • ATTENTION! ProQuest* database users:

    (*ProQuest databases include ABI/INFORM, PA Research II, ProQuest Newspapers, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.)

    When you click on a ProQuest database link, you may be prompted with a message to enter a login and password. If so, you should enter:

  login: ipauto
  password: welcome