Service alert for VPN users
VPN (Virtual Private Network) software lets you control a work desktop from home, and is useful for encrypting information exchanged between your home and office. But there can be problems when accessing UIC Library licensed resources online. Although it mimics your office computer, VPN does not share the IP address of your office computer. Most information providers’ servers use IP authentication to identify authorized users on campus, and off-campus, Bluestem provides your web browser with a campus IP address for two hour sessions, or until you close the browser. Since VPN does not get a UIC-authenticated IP address, it is important to leave the VPN application and start up a browser on the home desktop. Then to find articles in journals and databases, go to the Library web site and use the provided links to direct the browser through the Bluestem authentication screen, enter a netid and password, and search the licensed resources .
There are two exceptions to the general rule of not using VPN for library resources: Scifinder Scholar and Beilstein/Gmelin chemistry databases. Because of their unique client server applications, these providers require VPN or ACCC dial-in lines to connect off-campus.
If you encounter any difficulty, consult Library Systems or Ask a Librarian.
