Technical Support for Access to the Databases
Before you start, make sure you have
If you are still having problems accessing the Library's databases, please see our troubleshooting section.
The Library’s Catalog and most of the Library’s subscription databases are designed to work with Internet Explorer and Netscape. We recommend you upgrade your browser to the latest version of Internet Explorer and Netscape.
Mozilla's Firefox is a relatively new browser and a popular alternative to Internet Explorer and Netscape. Many existing websites and databases were not designed to work with Firefox, so you may experience problems while using this browser. Should problems occur, try switching to either Internet Explorer or Netscape.
Browsers provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as AOL, Earthlink, MSN, etc. may not be compatible with the Library’s Catalog or databases. If you experience problems with your ISP’s browser, try switching to either Internet Explorer or Netscape.
Your browser must be configured to accept cookies, and java must be enabled. You should also set your browser to refresh Web page data each time it accesses a page.
Cookies Settings
|
Internet Explorer 7 |
Tools | Internet Options | Privacy tab. Set it to Medium or Low. |
|
Internet Explorer 6 |
Tools | Internet Options | Privacy tab. Set it to Medium or Low. |
|
Mozilla Firefox 2.0 |
Tools | Options | Privacy. Enable “Accept cookies from sites.”
|
|
Mozilla Firefox 1.5 |
Tools | Options | Privacy | Cookies tab. Enable “Allow sites to set cookies.” Disable “for the originating site only.” Disable “unless I have removed cookies set by the site.” |
|
Netscape 9.0 |
Tools | Options | Privacy. Enable “Accept cookies from sites.” Disable “for the originating site only.” |
|
Netscape 8.1 |
Tools | Options | Site Controls | Site List. Enable the Allow Cookies checkbox. Uncheck the From originating site only checkbox. |
Java and Javascript Settings
|
Internet Explorer 7 |
Tools | Internet Options | Programs tab | Manage add-ons. Select Java Plug-in and verify that status is Enabled. If there is no Java Plug-in listed, you may need to install Java. You can download it at www.java.com. |
|
Internet Explorer 6 |
Tools | Internet Options | Programs tab | Manage add-ons. Verify that all Java Plug-in entries are Enabled. If there is no Java Plug-in listed, you may need to install Java. You can download it at www.java.com. |
|
Mozilla Firefox 2.0 |
Tools | Options | Content. Enable the checkboxes for “Enable JavaScript” and for “Enable Java.” |
|
Mozilla Firefox 1.5 |
Tools | Options | Content. Enable the checkboxes for “Enable Java” and for “Enable JavaScript.” |
|
Netscape 9.0 |
Tools | Options | Content. Enable the checkboxes for “Enable JavaScript” and for “Enable Java.” |
|
Netscape 8.1 |
Tools | Options | Site Controls | Site List. Enable the checkboxes for “Enable JavaScript” and for “Enable Java.” |
Cache Settings
Some browsers allow you to set the browser to refresh the data every time you visit a site. Firefox and Netscape browsers do not need to be configured.
|
Internet Explorer 7 |
Tools | Internet Options | General tab | Browsing history | Settings. Set “Check for newer versions of stored pages” to “Every time I visit the web page.” |
|
Internet Explorer 6 |
Tools | Internet Options | General tab | Temporary Internet Files | Settings. Set “Check for newer versions of stored pages” to “Every visit to the page.” |
If you continue to experience problems accessing the Library's databases, try the following tips.
Clear Your Browser's Cookies, Cache, and History
Sometimes previously stored items in the browser’s cache, history or cookies files may interfere with accessing a database. To clear these files see the instructions below.
|
Internet Explorer 7 |
Tools | Internet Options | General tab | Browsing history. Click on the Delete button, then click on Delete All at the bottom and click Yes to the message. |
|
Internet Explorer 6 |
To Clear Cache: Tools | Internet Options | General tab | Temporary Internet files. Click Delete Files, then click OK.
To Clear Cookies: Tools | Internet Options | General tab | Temporary Internet files. Click Delete Cookies, then click OK.
To Clear History: Tools | Internet Options | General tab | History. Click Clear History, then click Yes. |
|
Mozilla Firefox 2.0 |
Tools | Options | Privacy | Private data | Settings. Enable Browsing History, Cache and Cookies, then click OK. Click on the Clear Now button. |
|
Mozilla Firefox 1.5 |
To Clear Cache: Tools | Options | Privacy | Cache tab. Click Clear Cache Now.
To Clear Cookies: Tools | Options | Privacy | Cookies tab. Click Clear Cookies Now.
To Clear History: Tools | Options | Privacy | History tab. Click Clear Browsing History Now. |
|
Netscape 9.0 |
Tools | Options | Privacy | Private data | Settings. Enable Browsing History, Cache and Cookies, then click OK. Click on the Clear Now button. |
|
Netscape 8.1 |
Tools | Options | Privacy. Click on the Clear All button at the top. Alternatively, you could click on the individual Clear buttons for Page History, Cookies & Cache. |
Disable Pop-Up Blockers
Be aware that some databases make use of pop-up windows. If your browser, toolbar, or pop-up blocking program is set to block pop-ups, you may need to disable this feature.
Firewall and Security Software Conflicts
Some firewalls and security software programs require additional configuration in order to allow access to the Library’s Catalog and databases. The following list contains databases and domains that may need to be configured as trusted in order to permit authentication. For more information on configuring your firewall or security software, contact your vendor. Wake County Public Libraries IT staff cannot help you configure your firewall or software.
|
CQ Researcher
CQ Weekly |
cqpress.com
|
|
Ebscohost |
epnet.com
ebscohost.com |
|
Gale Group |
galegroup.com |
|
Heritage Quest |
heritagequestonline.com
umi.com |
|
netLibrary |
netlibrary.com |
|
ReferenceUSA |
referenceusa.com |
If you are using a computer at work to access library resources, your company’s network security system may cause problems. If you have persistent difficulty, contact your company’s IT staff. Wake County Public Libraries IT staff has no control over another company’s security policies.
DO NOT bookmark the database link pages!
The databases cannot be accessed directly. You have to be an authenticated Wake County Public Library user for EVERY session of your access. ALWAYS start from the Electronic Resources page or the Search Databases tab in the online catalog.
If you suspect the Library's databases are malfunctioning, please contact the Library IT department or call your local library branch. Staff will follow up as soon as possible.
Library IT Department
E-mail: libraryhelpdesk@co.wake.nc.us