Highlights: Newer New EBSCO link; Access problems for FIOS subscribers
Previous AskRI News: Feb 2 | Jan 12 | Nov. 19 | Oct. 15 | Oct. 3 | Sept. 25

General News

Important note for users of Verizon FIOS: Internet access for Verizon FIOS is presently routed through New York. When these customers try to access geographically authenticated databases (Homework Help, World Book), they show up as being in New York and are denied access. These users will have to enter a library bar code to access geographically authenticated databases. We apologize for the inconvenience and are trying to resolve this issue with Verizon.

HomeworkHelpRI

There is a new interface for HomeworkHelpRI (on the Tutor side). No changes necessary for libraries.

EBSCO Databases Access from School Libraries, Part 2

Links to EBSCO were changed last week on AskRI and HomeworkHelpRI, which created a few issues with EBSCO access in the schools. While we had requests to provide schools with seamless access to EBSCO via AskRI (that is, no prompting for zip), we didn't realize that when we did that it would result in users not being able to access OSL databases they might use (such as Novelist) or other databases to which your system subscribes

So, the links have been adjusted. Please note how to access the resources you're seeking:

1. If you want to get right into the AskRI databases without being prompted for a zip or library card, click on the EBSCOHost logo. This should take you staight to AskRI EBSCOHost databases. This does not include Searchasaurus.
   
   The link to use on your website for access as described above is
   http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,cpid&custid=ns145344
   
2. If you want to be able to see Searchasaurus, you will need to click on the "Access All EBSCO Resources" link on AskRI, next to the logo. If you enter a zip code, you'll be able to access all AskRI EBSCO databases, as listed on EBSCO Resources.
   
   The link to use on your website for access as described above is
   http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=cpid&custid=ns145344
3. If you want to access OSL databases (such as Novelist) in addition to AskRI databases, you must enter an OSL library card number after clicking on the "Access All EBSCO Resources" link. Use the link in 2 above.
4. For users at home or anyone not in a school or library, it doesn't matter if they click on the EBSCO logo or the "Access All EBSCO Resources" link, they'll be prompted for a zip code or library card. So if you want to demo how users interact with EBSCO at home, use the "Access All EBSCO Resources link". (This all has to do with how the IP authentication works; the logo link authenticates your IP address, the Access link doesn't. For schools and libraries for which we have IP addresses, they are authenticated and granted access, hence no prompting for zip/card. The Access link will always ask for a zip/card.)
   

For more information on linking to EBSCO databases, see the November 19, the January 12 and the February 2 updates.

If you still have problems linking to EBSCO or it doesn't do what you think it should contact Karen Mellor at OLIS.

AskRI Website: General Linking Information

The Librarians' Resource Center has a link to logos and linking information. This page contains the most current information on where and how to link to statewide databases.

This page also provides links to publicity materials and vendor websites (with additional PR and marketing information). This resource is being updated on a regular basis as we develope collateral for marketing statewide databases..

Please check this website and the Librarians' Resource Center on AskRI for current information.

If you have questions or comments about the electronic resources available at AskRI.org, please contact Karen Mellor at OLIS or Kathyellen Bullard at the Providence Public Library.

Please check previous AskRI News to review status of known issues:
Feb 2 | Jan. 12 | Nov. 19 | Oct. 15 | Oct. 3 | Sept. 25