Access Electronic Resources

The library provides access to many electronic resources online through our databases subscriptions and other purchases. Many of these resources require some form of authentication to prove affiliation with a subscribing institution.

On Campus Authentication

When you access electronic resources from on campus, you can take advantage of location-based authentication. So long as you are fully connected to the campus Wireless Network, you should be recognized as an authorized user automatically. No login is required.

Off Campus Authentication

When you access electronic resources from off campus, you will need to login through the Electronic Resource Login Page to confirm you are an authorized user through our library proxy server. Your username and password are the same used when accessing your E-Hive and Learn@UW-Superior services. Once you have logged in, you should be forwarded to the resource you were trying to access.

Please note that the Electronic Resource Login Page does not communicate with Learn@UW-Superior, so even if you are accessing resources from inside an online course in Learn@UW-Superior, you will need to login through this portal.

Technology can be fickle and sometimes off campus authentication doesn't work quite as expected. Here are the most common solutions to reported issues:

1. Check your credentials.
   Make sure you are using your UWS username (not full email address) and password. Confirm your capslock is not on and type in your password instead of using a saved password in case it is using an old password.
2. Try using an incognito or private browsing window.
   If this works, it generally means you need to clear your cache and cookies so it isn't trying to use outdated information that was previously stored. 
3. Make sure your browser is up to date.
   Install any software updates and refresh your browser.
4. Try switching to another browser.
   We recommend Firefox, which is free to download from the Mozilla Firefox website, or Google Chrome.
5. If you are trying to do your research from work or a public location, try again from home.
   Many school districts, corporations, and businesses block unfamiliar proxies using a firewall or network privacy program. You may have better luck accessing what you need from home.
6. Verify that your browser cookies are enabled.
   You can use the System Check from Computer Hope for this purpose.
7. Disable any browser plugins or extensions.
   Sometimes popup blockers and browser privacy plugins do not play nice with our resources.
8. Disable any VPN or proxy you may be using.
   The library uses similar technology to enable off campus authentication, so your VPN or proxy may conflict with our ability to authenticate you. Don't know if you're using a VPN or proxy? Then chances are that you are not.
9. Reset your password.
   Sometimes an old password may be cached and can cause errors.

The library's EZproxy authentication software is triggered when the designated Proxy URL is prefixed to the permalink of a library resource.

Proxy URL: https://link.uwsuper.edu:9433/login?url=

Add this URL to the permalink of a database, full-text article, e-book, or streaming video to enable remote access to that resource.

Virtual Labs are available for distance learning students. These virtual labs allow you to remotely connect to a computer on campus to access software, such as Adobe Suite, SPSS, GIS, Microsoft Office, or other programs that you may not have on your home computer. The virtual labs are managed by Tech Services. If you have trouble accessing them, please contact the Help Desk.

Click here to access available virtual lab computers.

If you are on a PC you will be able to connect by pressing Connect and then Download; when the file downloads, you will have to open and connect to the computer. If you are on a Mac or Chromebook you will have to download the Microsoft Remote Desktop App.