Library:EZproxy VPN FAQ

Beginning January 2013, myVPN will no longer be available as a mode of remote access to the Library’s online resources. EZproxy will become the only method of remote authentication to Library e-resources.

Why is the Library making this change?

The use of the Library’s electronic resources is governed by license agreements between the library and its vendors and publishers. The majority of these license agreements stipulate that access is limited to CURRENT students, faculty, and staff. Access to myVPN is available to various persons outside of these groups and the current electronic identification system on campus makes it difficult to limit access through this channel. Plans are under way to improve identity management on UBC campus and the Library will participate in implementing these changes as they become available. In the meantime, we are taking these steps with myVPN in order to more closely comply with our licenses and meet contractual obligations to these vendors and publishers.

Please note that other UBC services available via myVPN will not be affected by this change: you’ll still be able to connect to the Faculty and Staff Self-Service portal, etc.

When will myVPN stop working for access to UBC Library licensed resources?

After January 1, 2013, myVPN access may continue to work for a while, but EZproxy will soon be the only method of remote (off-campus) authentication to UBC Library e-resources.

What will I need to do to connect via EZproxy?

To use EZproxy, simply start any off-campus search for an online journal, e-book or database, etc. from the Library homepage at www.library.ubc.ca. At the homepage, choose “EZproxy Login” from the “Login ” drop down menu on the navigation bar, and enter your CWL or Library Barcode/PIN.

Remote Desktop Users

If you’ve set up a remote desktop on your home computer, open the browser on your campus computer and you’ll be able to connect as if you were on campus. Note: Remote Desktop software is managed and supported by departmental IT units, not the Library.

Bookmarks/Favorites

Edit your bookmarks to library-subscribed journal articles and publisher sites by adding the EZproxy prefix to the URL. Resave the bookmark with the new EZproxied URL.

The prefix is https://ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login?url=

Example: If your bookmarked URL is: http://www.oed.com/, it becomes https://ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login?url=http://www.oed.com/ with the prefix. When you go to this EZproxy prepended link from off campus, you’ll automatically be prompted to login with your CWL or Library Barcode/PIN.

A handy way of automatically converting URLs for library subscribed e-resources to prepended URLs is the EZproxy Link Generator.