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Get Research Database Help

Show All Answers

1. I can't connect to a database

Check to see if your browser version is listed on the database's list of supported browsers. View list of databases and supported browsers.

2. When can I use the databases?

Home access should be available 24/7. If you encounter difficulties using the system, try again after about 15 minutes.

3. How do I log on to these databases?

Go to the Research Databases page or to the Do Research page to select your subject area, then your database.

You need to have a valid library card in good standing.

Click on the title of the database you want to use.

If you're using a library computer, you will be connected immediately to the database.

If you're using a home, office or school computer, you will see a login screen.

Type in your barcode number. (It is important that you type all 14 numbers carefully).

Then, click the "Login" button.

Each time you select a database, you will need to enter your library card number and click on the login button before you can use the database.

4. How can I use databases outside the library?

You must have a library card from the Cumberland County Library System.

You can't owe $5 or more in fines and fees.

You must have a compatible web browser.

5. It says my fines or fees have reached $5.00. What do I do?

Contact your library to settle your account.

Fines can be paid online, or at any of the libraries in the library system with cash, check, or credit.

6. It says my library card is not on file. What do I do?

Check to make sure you entered your library card number correctly with all 14 numbers.

If you did enter it correctly, and it still says your card is not on file, visit your local library to update your account. The library system regularly deletes inactive accounts from its database.

7. How does the online system know that I'm allowed to use the databases?

If you are using a computer from home, the library system uses software called "Remote Patron Authentication" that asks you for your library card number.

This software checks your library card number against our list of library card holders.

If it finds a match and you owe less than $5 in fines or fees, you can use the database.

8. When I was in the library using a database, I didn't have to type in my library card number. How come?

The online system knows if the computer you are using is a library computer or not. Anyone visiting the library can use the databases without entering their library barcode number because they are using a library computer.

9. I can't use the databases. The screen says "welcome to [[null]]" and doesn't list any databases, just a "finished" button and on the left it says "invalid authorization."

The software we use requires cookies to work properly.

If you have your cookies disabled, or if the cookie is corrupted, you will not be able to access the databases. You'll see a blank database list, an invalid authorization notice, and a message that says "welcome to [[null]].

Make sure your cookies are enabled. If they are, try clearing your cookies and your cache.

10. I clicked the link for a database but it says I am not authorized to use this database. I have before; why can't I now?

Sometimes, if too many people are using a database at the same time, there will be a login screen instead of automatic access to the database. Unfortunately, the only solution to this is to wait a while and try again.

Make sure you have clicked on the link that says "Click here to access databases from home."

11. I can't use the databases or no databases are listed.

You are probably trying to use the database from a bookmark or favorites link.

You can only use databases from: Do Research page.

Accessing databases from any other link or bookmark, will corrupt your cookies file and you won't be able to use databases from home. This will results in a lot of browser errors or blank pages.

12. I used one of the databases and created a bookmark on my PC. When I try to use it, I get an error message saying that I don't have access to this database. Why?

You are probably trying to use the database from a bookmark or favorites link.

You can only use databases from: Do Research page.

Accessing databases from any other link or bookmark, will corrupt your cookies file and you won't be able to use databases from home. This will results in a lot of browser errors or blank pages.

13. Why do I have to sign-on every time I select a database?

To allow people in the library to use databases without entering a library barcode number, the system had to be set up in a way that requires barcodes to be entered from home each time you want to use a different database.