Both Proxy URLs and the VPN will allow authentication for articles in PubMed, Google Scholar and JSTOR, as well as for other Library-subscribed databases and journals.

Proxy URLs (EZProxy)

A proxy URL routes your Library-specific traffic through another server, a “proxy server”, which handles your login details for you.  The University Library uses a system called “EZProxy.”

For example, when you use the Library’s proxy URL:  https://proxy.cc.uic.edu/login?url=https://library.uic.edu, you are not directly accessing the Library website, https://library.uic.edu, but are instead accessing it through the proxy server: https://proxy.cc.uic.edu .

Browser extensions for Proxy URLs

If you wish to automate your use of Proxy URLs, you can install 3rd-party software plugins (called "Browser extensions") to your web browser.  You must install a separate extension for any browser you use. Our recommendations:

• Google Chrome: EZProxy Redirect
• Mozilla Firefox: EZProxy Redirect Foxified
• Apple Safari (on a Mac): this may be possible, but challenging

For mobile phones or tablets, first download the mobile version of Chrome (iOS, Android) or Firefox (iOS, Android), and install from there.

The above list are all of the extensions we know about; Safari on iOS may not be possible.

Once you install your browser extension, you will need to configure it; both recommended extensions include the UIC proxy as an option. Consult the documentation for your particular extension.

Please note that the University Library cannot provide support for these extensions. Your mileage may vary.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

For general access to UIC resources, we recommend setting up a Virtual Private Network from UIC. VPN software can be downloaded from the Webstore.

Using the VPN is like being on campus. It’s equivalent to plugging your computer directly into an outlet, providing you with a UIC IP address.  Even though you may be at home, all of your internet traffic is routed through UIC servers.

After downloading and installing the VPN, click “Connect”, and then you probably want to select the “Library-Resources” Group (not the default “General-Use” group).

Using the “Library-Resources” Group will provide you with access to Library electronic resources, like full-text articles from Google Scholar, JSTOR or PubMed, as if you were on campus.  Restricted-access materials will prompt you to login through the EZProxy system.

Please note, however, that the two “Groups” can be mutually exclusive.  Using the “Library-Resources” Group may impede use of other resources from other UIC departments, such as a file sharing system.  In this case, you may have to logout of the VPN and then log back in using the “General-Use” Group.

Alumni, non-UIC users

Alumni and unaffiliated users cannot remotely access library electronic resources. Please visit the University Library in person for access.

Google Scholar Settings for UIC e-journals

Bookmark this link to use the UIC settings for Google Scholar:

• https://go.library.uic.edu/gs

You'll see Get full text @ UIC links to connect to the library e-journals - the link is sometimes hidden under the << sign. If an online full text is not available, scroll down to Request via interlibrary loan.

Questions?

To report problems with e-resources, email ertech@uic.edu