How do
I get the username and password for databases?
What sort of login screen can you see?
- If you see a Database Login Screen that
looks like this -
...follow the instructions on the WebSpirs Password page.
- But if you see a Get
Database Password screen like this -
...you will be asked to identify yourself to the Library system, before
being shown the password. Follow the instructions on the Database Password page.
What do I
do if the username and password for the database don't work?
- Check that you are typing it correctly.
- Do you have the Caps Lock turned
on? If so, turn it off and try again!
- Make certain that you have not confused numbers and letters,
and typed a letter "o" instead
of a zero - 0, or a number one -
1 instead of letter "l"
- You could be using the wrong username and password.
- The number of passwords you will encounter at University can be
confusing. Are you typing in your University Internet access username
and password? This won't work! University
Passwords explained.
- Work back through the process for obtaining
the username and password.
- It may be that your PIN number is not working correctly. Some
keyboard characters don't work in PINs. See What
form should my PIN take?
I can get
to the database, but what do I do if I keep getting error messages about
"JavaScript" ?
Fixing this problem is important because many websites
(including the Library) require that JavaScript be enabled before you
can access a range of services. There could be two reasons for JavaScript
problems -
1. JavaScript is not enabled in your browser. Some databases require
that JavaScript be enabled in your browser before they will work properly.
- In Netscape -
* Click "Edit | Preferences"
* Click "Advanced"
* Click inside the check box to put a tick next to "Enable
JavaScript".
- In Internet Explorer -
* Go to "Tools | Internet
Options"
* Change to the "Security"
tab
* Select "Custom Level" and
scroll right down through "Settings..."
* To "Scripting", "Active
scripting", make sure "Enable"
is selected
* Close the browser and restart it.
2. You are using an early version of your web browser.
We strongly recommend Netscape or Internet Explorer, version 4.5 or
better to handle JavaScript.
* To check the version number you have, click Help
in the menu bar of your browser, then click About
NameofBrowser.
* To get a new version of the browser -
It is simplest to use the free Dialin Internet Access CD from UQconnect.
(Available from AskIT desks.)
This disk has versions of both browsers.
Or - you can buy a computer or Internet magazine from your
newsagent which contains a compact disk of software. Installation
files for both web browsers are generally included.
What do I do
if the database has reached the maximum number of users?
The Library has licensing agreements with database publishers which
can limit the number of simultaneous users. Try again later, or try
another database.
When I click
for the database I need I get a screen about a "Library Database
Launcher". What do I do now?
Staff and students of the University of Queensland can
use these databases - but only in Branch
Libraries.
When I click for the
database I need it says that it is only available in a Branch Library.
What do I do now?
These databases are only available from individual computers in the
specified University of
Queensland Branch Library. You must visit the Branch
Library.
A few databases do require special software. Follow the instructions to download and install the software.
I have a student or
staff Internet account with UQ, the connection works, I have the username
and password - but I still can't access a database! What's wrong?
Work your way through these FAQs to be sure that
you have eliminated other problems, then -
- Check the proxy settings in your browser by following
these instructions.
- Contact the Information Desk at your Branch
Library. There may be an access problem that we need to know about.
I have a commercial
Internet account, or I access the Internet from a government or business
organisation, the connection works - but I still can't access a database!
What's wrong?
Note: If you pay fees to an Internet Service Provider - it could
be UQ or Big Pond or Ozemail or whoever, you have a commercial
Internet account. If you access the Internet from your place
of work with a government or business organisation, your employer is
your Internet Service provider.
- You must first identify yourself as student or staff at the University
of Queensland to be eligible to use a database. When you try to
access the database, you should see a screen that looks like this
-
. 
Your Name: Type in your name - first initial and family name should be enough
Library ID Number: Tab to or click in this box and type in your Library identification number.
Your PIN: Tab to or click in this box. If you have NOT already established a PIN, click on the link at the bottom under the Clear button, and follow the steps.
Click on 
- Your Internet Service Provider could be using a "firewall"
for security purposes. This is not uncommon in government and business
organisations. [All accesses entering or leaving the
intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each access and
blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.]
Contact your ISP's Help Desk to see if a firewall is blocking your
access to databases.
- Contact the Information Desk at your Branch
Library. There may be an access problem that we need to know about.
I know which database I want
to search. Do you have any help on the best way to do that?
- The Library has produced a number of "how-to"guides called
UseIts on how to search
some of the databases available in the Library. Each UseIt contains
a short basic "recipe" to get you started and step-by-step
instructions.
- Attend a free Library workshop - Going
Further in the Library- a 1 hour class on using databases
to find information for your assignments.
There are so many databases.
How do I choose the ones which are relevant for my topic?
- Use a FindIt to
determine which databases are relevant to your subject areas. FindIts
are gateways to resources in your subject area. Each FindIt helps
you with - getting started, finding books, journal articles
using databases, relevant Internet resources and specialised
information.
- You can ask Library staff for help. Ask at the Information
Desk in any Branch Library.
- Your lecturer may have recommended a database.
- Browse or search the databases,
by subject or title.
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