Research support

E-resource troubleshooting

Below are some commonly asked questions. If they don’t address your need, please Ask Us!

I can’t get into a database or ejournal that I know MIT subscribes to. What’s wrong?

In order for publishers to recognize you as an authorized MIT user, you must have an MIT IP address or be coming through our proxy server. If you’re on an MIT wireless network, make sure you’re connected to “MIT Secure.” A few resources require you to come through the proxy server even when on-campus. See authenticate to online resources for options.

I need an article from a journal that MIT subscribes to, but I’m bring prompted to pay for it. What’s wrong?

Even though MIT may have a subscription to a journal online, it doesn’t mean we have access to all issues. Check the coverage dates for the journal in Search Our Collections (this will also list print options, which you can request a digital scan of). If we don’t own it in print or online, you may request the article via Interlibrary Borrowing. If the coverage dates say we should have it but you still can’t get it, let us know via Ask Us.

Can MIT alumni or non-MIT users access these resources?

Only current members of the MIT community may access our paid electronic resources from off-campus. Resource vendors impose license restrictions which prevent us from offering off-campus access to anyone outside the immediate MIT community.

The MIT Alumni Office provides access to some e-resources. See library services for MIT alumni/ae for more information.

MIT alumni and non-MIT users may come to campus and access many e-resources from our visitor computers.