How to access the library resources remotely

• Trucs et astuces

The digital resources of the library are restricted to INRS users only. These resources are easily available from our local networks through IP recognition[1] or from outside the network, by authorized members of the INRS.

To access a resource (journal, database) from outside INRS, you first need an INRS email account and password. And then, there are many ways.

A training session on remote access to library resources has been recorded and is available for consultation here (Secret code: Gj3E2+9X).

The VPN Way

• The INRS allows its registered users to access its local network through a VPN. By logging in to the VPN, your home computer becomes virtually part of the local INRS network and your IP becomes one that is recognized as belonging to the INRS. You can thus access all e-resources as if you were on campus.
• Contact the Service des Ressources informationelles (SRI) for help.
• Pros: The easiest way!
• Cons: well… none.

The bookmarklet way

• A bookmarklet is like a button that you add to your bookmarks/favorites in any browser. Once you reach the webpage of a document that interests you, click the EZProxy bookmark. It then uses JavaScript to dynamically rewrite URL of the page you are viewing and gives you access through the SDIS proxy at that URL. If you are already logged in, the page should show you the content you are looking for. If you are not, you will first be prompted to log in.
• To install the bookmark via EZproxy, drag and drop the button below to your bookmarks menu. It is recommended to put via EZProxy somewhere clearly visible in your bookmarks so that it is easy to find while browsing the web. You can also edit and rename the bookmark.

• Please note that via EZProxy will only work if you are on a restricted access page, and not on a page that is freely accessible, because the address of the freely accessible page does not appear in its directory of URL to be managed.

• Pros: really easy to use and works on any browsers under PC. We did not test on the Apple side of things.
• Cons: You won’t be able to know in advance if your library has a licence for this document or not. If you get an error message (forbidden access, etc.), or if in doubt, consult the list of resources on the SDIS portal.

The Portal Way

• Select the resource that you wish to access from the web site menus.
• If you are outside the local network, you will be prompted to authenticate yourself.
• Attention! These are your usual INRS ID and password you use for email.
• Pros: you will always know if we have access or not to a specific resource
• Cons: it might prove a little cumbersome in some cases, like if you don’t know the exact title of the resource you are looking for.

Troubleshooting

The access to some journals might be limited to members of a single INRS site.

If you get an error message asking you to contact the administrator, something is wrong with our system. Despite our efforts, it sometimes happens that errors may creep into the configuration. A message requesting you to contact the administrator is an indicator of this kind of bug. Please send us the contents of the error message and other information about the resources to sdis@inrs.ca. We’ll correct it as soon as possible and let you know the result.

You can’t even reach the authentication page? Users from outside of the INRS are sometimes in specific workplace contexts (UMR, internships, partnerships, etc.) that place them under other security policies forbiding the use of a proxy.  Contact us for more information.

Still not working? Contact us with as many details as possible: the browser you use, its version, your operating systems, the article you wanted to access, the time of day, all error messages, etc. You may also tell us about the weather and your favorite food, although we do not really need this information.