E RESOURCES - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
| Only staff and students of the University are allowed remote access to the E Resources What are databases? What are databases? Back to TOP Databases are collections of information. The Library subscribes to many different kinds databases. Some are publishers? databases that provide full text coverage of the journals they publish. Others are ?aggregator? databases that collect full-text articles from a variety of sources such as journals, magazines, and newspapers. There are databases that index and abstract journals, while others are full-text reference works, such as dictionaries. Where do I find them? Back to TOP The databases are listed alphabetically by title on the Library?s electronic resources page. How do I know which database to use? Back to TOP Use the subject guide to the online databases. If you need additional help in choosing which resource to use, or with online searching, contact your librarian or use the Ask a Librarian service. The Library?s Education and Training unit also provides training. How do I find an electronic journal? Back to TOP If you know the name of the journal you want, use the title-search box. Alternatively, you can browse the online journals using the subject dropdown menu. Do I need any passwords for the databases when I?m on campus? Back to TOP No. You might however need your proxy password, it?s easy to identify the proxy password box, the caption reads ? ?connect to proxy.wits.ac.za?. Can I access the databases when off campus (at home or work)? Back to TOP Yes , as long as you are a currently registered Wits member of staff or student, and have access to an internet connection. Due to licensing restrictions, we cannot offer access to these online subscriptions to other categories of user. Are all the e resources available off campus? Back to TOP No, most of our resources are available off campus; there will be a clear indication if the resource is not available off campus. Usually the trial resources are on campus only access unless otherwise specified. Do I need a password for off-campus access? Back to TOP Yes. When you have selected a database, you will be required to enter your library username and password. You will only need to do this once. How do I get an account? Back to TOP You do not need to . The Library draws its patron information from the University s main database. Your Library account was automatically set up when you were registered as a staff member or student of the University. What is my username and password? Back to TOP Username: your name as it appears on your staff/ student card (or use your surname only) Password: your 8-digit staff/ student number Note ? only your surname is really required in the username text box, do not add any title information e.g. Prof. Dr. Mr. My username and password don t work. Who do I contact for help? Back to TOP Contact your librarian and request that your patron record be checked. You can find their contact information on the Branch Library Page. What do I need for remote access of the resources? Back to TOP You will require a computer with internet access (the internet access can be from any Internet Service Provider (ISP) or from Wits dial-up). Please note that if you have a problem with internet access this will affect your access to the e resources. Contact your ISP for help. My Browser seems to get stuck on one page or I have a problem downloading from the e resources, what?s wrong? Back to TOP Usually this would indicate a bandwidth problem; your connection to the internet could be very slow. Time outs and download problems usually involves your internet connection. Contact your ISP if the problem persists. If you feel this is not an internet speed problem, the problem could be on the vendor database in that case contact our E Resources Librarian. Make sure you have the following information ready, the name of the resource you are trying to access, a detailed description of the error. If possible a screen shot would help us identify the problem, click here to download a PowerPoint show that will show you how to create the screenshot. The resource I want is not on the e resources ? who can I ask about resources not on the e resources list? Back to TOP Contact your Branch Librarian ? they can best assist you in obtaining an alternative to the resources you need or point you in the right direction to find the information you need. You can find their contact information on the Branch Library Page. What are the trial resources? Back to TOP Trial resources are available from the following link. The resources on this page is for evaluation purposes ? please take the time to fill in our feedback form on this page to help us subscribe to the resources you find most useful. Are trials available off campus? Back to TOP No. I would like the Library to trial a resource, who do I contact? Back to TOP Contact your Branch Librarian. You can find their contact information on the Branch Library Page. My Bookmarks / Favorites have stopped working. Back to TOP Always use the e resources directly for the Library Web site: http://www.wits.ac.za/Library/ResearchResources/ElectronicDatabases/Titlelisting.htm - this way you can be sure the links will work. Vendors change their links on occasion and sometimes we have to update our remote access methods which can affect bookmarks or favorites. My off campus access is working fine but it is very slow, what?s wrong? Back to TOP Your internet connection could be the problem, if your connection is very slow this could affect off campus access, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). I have trouble using the databases ? can I get help? Back to TOP If your problem is not an access related problem but you have difficulty in using the databases, you can contact Rebecca Senyolo at Library Education & Training. |
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