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CONNECTING FROM OFF-CAMPUS

Most of the Library’s electronic resources, including electronic journals, are restricted in use to UTHSCSA students, faculty, and staff. In most cases, access is restricted to computers within the UTHSCSA domain (those with the UTHSCSA IP address). The Library’s proxy server, EZProxy, allows UTHSCSA personnel who are registered Library users to access these resources from off-campus computers. If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is DCCI through the UTHSCSA Computing Resources contract, IPrestricted resources should recognize that you (and your computer) are affiliated with UTHSCSA and allow access to restricted resources. However, if you use another ISP, you will automatically be prompted for your last name, HSC badge number, and PIN when you attempt to connect to a restricted resource. This information verifies that you are a registered UTHSCSA Library borrower, and provides access to restricted databases and to many electronic journals. You may also log into EZProxy before selecting a resource by clicking on the Off-campus access link on the Library web site (http://www.library.uthscsa.edu)

If you have questions about electronic resources or access to them, contact the Briscoe Library Information Desk at 210-567-2450 or AskaLibrarian@uthscsa.edu

SETTING A BLIS PIN

Besides allowing access to electronic resources, you PIN also lets you view your own borrower record, renew books, and request interlibrary loans.

1. 1. If you are not already a registered Library borrower, bring your UTHSCSA ID card to the Library Circulation Desk and complete a brief registration form.
2. 2. Go to the Library’s web site (http://www.library.uthscsa.edu) and select Search the Catalog or click on the Catalog tab. Then, click on Set Your PIN # Here.
3. 3. Enter your last name and complete HSC badge number as shown on the screen.
4. 4. Click Submit. BLIS will prompt you to set your new PIN.
5. 5. You will need to enter the PIN twice, for verification.
      »The PIN can be any string of characters up to 30 characters in length. For security purposes, your PIN will not display as it is keyed in.
6. 6. Click Submit. You will see your borrower record. From this screen, you can see a list of materials you have checked out, and renew them. You can also change your PIN by clicking Modify Your PIN.

USING YOUR PIN

To access electronic journals and databases that are restricted to the UTHSCSA domain from off-campus, click Off-campus access on the Library’s home page. After entering your last names, HSC badge number, and PIN, you will have access to the restricted resources. Alternately, you can select the restricted resource; you will then be prompted to sign in with your PIN. You will also be prompted for your PIN when you check your Library record or request materials electronically.

NOTES & TROUBLESHOOTING

If receive the message “Invalid PIN” when you try to set your PIN, it means that you have previously set one. If you can guess what you might have used, try re-entering your name, HSC badge number, and your PIN. If it doesn’t work, see Forget your PIN?, below.

If you forget your PIN, staff at any Library service point can change it for you.

Most users access MEDLINE and other Ovid databases from off-campus by using their PIN. However, Ovid users who wish to save searches or utilize the autoAlert SDI feature will need to establish a personal password, too. From off-campus, you should log in with your PIN by clicking Off-campus access, then log into Ovid with your personal password. This will insure access to restricted full-text journals linked to Ovid databases, which is controlled by the PIN, and access to the special Ovid features available with an Ovid personal password. For more information on the Ovid personal password, contact the Library Information Desk at 210-567-2450 or AskaLibrarian@uthscsa.edu.