- What does "outside the UWA Network" mean?
- Why is access to some electronic resources restricted?
- What does "authenticated access" mean?
- Which electronic resources can I access from outside the UWA Network?
- How do I use the Library's authenticated access service?
- How do I access non-authenticated resources from outside UWA?
- I'm dialled into the UWA Network but I'm still denied! Why?
- Still confused? Ask a Question
What does "outside the UWA Network" mean?
If you are using a computer that is permanently located on the UWA campus (such as within University computer labs, offices, or the Library) then your computer is considered part of the UWA Network. All these computers will have similar Internet "addresses", called an IP address.
If you are using a computer at home, or at work, but have dialled into a phone number provided by a University department, then you too will probably be assigned an IP address that makes your computer think it is part of the UWA Network.
If you are using a computer at home, or at work, and dial into a phone number provided by a commercial Internet service provider (such as iiNet, BigPond, or OzEmail) then you will not be considered part of the UWA Network. This also includes computers connected via another institution such as schools or universities.
Why is access to some electronic resources restricted?
When subscribing to or purchasing electronic resources, some vendors limit the type of clients who can use the resource. In most cases, resources subscribed to by the University Library are restricted to use by UWA staff and students only.
What does "authenticated access" mean?
Authenticated access simply means that before access to a restricted service is granted, we must verify that you have the necessary permission to access that service.
In the past, and with many electronic resources currently subscribed to by the University Library, the only sure way to limit access to valid clients was to restrict access according to the IP address of the computer. This process is referred to as IP masking. Unfortunately, this did not always work well because valid UWA staff and students who were using machines outside the UWA Network were denied access.
From 2001, the University Library introduced a system of authenticated access which enables valid clients to access restricted resources from any computer in the world. This system requires that you enter your UWA ID (staff or student) number and your Pheme password. This information will be used to verify that you are a current UWA staff member or student. If this is the case, you will be granted access to the service.
Which electronic resources can I access from outside the UWA Network?
As yet, not all electronic resources can be accessed remotely, but the list is growing! Many popular database services including Web of knowledge, Factiva, Ovid, ProQuest 5000, and WebSPIRS can be accessed from your home or office. UWA examination papers are also available for remote access.
How do I know if a service is available remotely? In short: you shouldn't need to know. The system has been designed so that if you are required to access a resource via the authentication system it will intercept your request automatically and ask you to enter your UWA ID (staff or student) number and your Pheme password. If you cannot access a resource from outside the UWA Network you will be advised when you attempt to make the connection.
If you wish to determine whether a resource is accessible via the authenticated access service, search for the resource in the Library catalogue, and click on the 'More Information' link. Resources accessible remotely will have an 'Authentication method' statement of 'available for remote access via authentication'.
How do I use the Library's authenticated access service?
The University Library has made the use of its authenticated access service as painless as possible. Use of the service should be triggered automatically as you navigate through the Library Web site. There are a few simple requirements:
- You must navigate to the resource by clicking on links on the Library Web site. The service will not operate if you type in the resource's URL directly into your browser.
- You must be a valid UWA staff or student.
How do I access non-authenticated resources from outside UWA?
If you need to access resources and services which have not been made available via the authenticated access service then you must do one of two things:
- Obtain and dial into a ITS "full service" account
- Use the ITS authenticated proxy.
More information on Internet access via ITS.
I'm dialled into the UWA Network via my department but I'm still denied! Why?
Some UWA departments regulate the web sites you are allowed to visit when dialled up to their modem pool. This means that even though you have a UWA-based IP address and should therefore be able access IP masked resources, your Department may block your access. This is usually because the site is located off-campus, and the traffic your connection generates will be charged to your department. There is nothing the University Library can do in this situation. We recommend you talk to your Department's IT section.
