W. Frank Steely Library

EZProxy

Northern Kentucky University subscribes to resources that are restricted to students, faculty, and staff of Northern Kentucky University. In order to access these resources off campus, users must log in through a proxy server with their unique user name and password. The username and password for the proxy server should be the same as your NKU email account.

If you are having trouble logging in, try the following:

1. Check your username in NKU Find-IT.
2. Change your password at IT’s Password information page.
3. If you have failed to log in 5 times within 5 minutes, you will need to wait at least 15 minutes before trying to log in again, even if you have changed your password.

What is EZProxy?

EZProzy is a software system, developed by Useful Utilities, that validates bona fide NKU students, faculty, and staff and provides an NKU IP address to users so they may access these restricted resources.

Does this mean everything is available off campus?

No. There are various reasons why certain resources continue to be restricted but our hope is to lift restrictions as we can. Some resources continue to be restricted due to budgetary limitations.

How does EZProxy work?

EZProxy requires a URL prefix on links embedded in Steely Library's Web pages and a file on the proxy server which defines valid resources. The user clicks on proxy encoded links and EZProxy does the rest. On campus users are routed directly to the resource. Off campus users are asked to enter their NKU account information and, once validated, are connected via proxy.

How do I get an NKU account?

If you are a student, faculty member, or staff, you already have one. You can look up your user name on the NKU Find-It page. It is the same as your email address prior to the @ sign. If you are unsure about your password, you can reset it on the Password information page. Further questions about accounts should be directed to NKU's Office of Information Technology (572-6911). Keep in mind, the library does not have any control over NKU accounts. Also, this account is specific to you. You should not share your username and password. This account is used for various functions at NKU and some of them you will want to keep private.

Will I need to reconfigure my browser?

Probably not. EZProxy works with standard browser defaults. These include having cookies and javascript enabled. If you are concerned about cookies, the cookie is only valid for your current browser session and is not persistent. We do not use the cookie to track your usage.

I got some weird error message while using EZProxy. What do I do?

Report the problem to the library. While we've tested the databases via EZProxy, we have certainly not isolated every possible problem. We need to know about the error message in detail: Which database were you using? Which link did you click on? Which ISP are you using? Which browser and version? What was the content of the error message? We need enough information to duplicate the conditions that resulted in the error message. Send the information to library@exchange.nku.edu and we will track down the source of the error.

updated: Monday, 25-Jun-2007 11:57:17 EDT