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Frequently Asked Questions - LibAccess (Access e-Resources)

Why doesn't my Mac ID or LibAccess login work?
There are a number of possible causes and solutions.
 
Try this first
MAC ID & LibAccess
  1. if you're logging in to LibAccess using your MAC ID, visit the UTS MAC ID page and click on "Verify my MAC ID" to ensure that your MAC ID is working
    • if your MAC ID fails to verify, contact UTS at extension 24357 or use the links on the MAC ID page to resolve the problem
    • if your MAC ID does verify, report to the library the date, time and user name that was unsuccessfully used to access library resources, and we will investigate the problem and contact you
  2. try logging on using your existing LibAccess user name and password or, if you do not have one, set up a LibAccess account and log on using the new LibAccess user name and password
Cookies
  • Check your browser's cookie settings. LibAccess requires that cookies are enabled in your browser.

Firewalls

  • If you have a firewall configured, disable the firewall and try LibAccess again. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes the Windows Firewall. You may want to try disabling the Windows XP firewall if you have installed the service pack.

Outdated browsers

  • If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc. try updating your browser.

DNS problems

  • If you are still experiencing problems, it could be a DNS (domain name server) problem. Contact your Network Administrator.
 
If none of the above solutions work, please send us a message, and we'll help you resolve the problem.

 

What is LibAccess and where can I find more information about it?

For more information on LibAccess including what it is, why you need it, who is eligible, and how to set it up, visit the LibAccess info page.

Can I use a firewall with LibAccess?

Firewall software has been known to cause problems with LibAccess. You may have to temporarily disable your firewall or configure your firewall to allow LibAccess. The following software have been known to cause problems.

  • Norton Internet Security
  • Norton Personal Firewall
  • Zone Alarm Pro
  • McAfee Internet Security
  • Watchguard

Please note that some ad blockers (e.g. IDecide, Ad-Subtract) and web accelerators (e.g. Netzero High Speed) has been known to cause problems as well.

Can I log in to LibAccess using my MAC ID?
Yes, you can log in to LibAccess with your MAC ID, from both on-campus and off-campus. If you have a MAC ID, you do not need to set up a LibAccess account.

 

What is LibAccess compatible with and do you have to configure your browser for it?

LibAccess should be compatible with:

  • most Web browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Mozilla, Firefox, etc.)
  • most operating systems (e.g. Windows, Mac OS, etc.)
  • most commerical Internet service providers (e.g. AOL, Rogers, etc.)
  • most connection types (e.g. Dial-Up, Cable, etc.)
  • LibAccess does not require you to configure your web browser.
How do I set up and log in to LibAccess?
For information on how to set up and log in to LibAccess visit the LibAccess info page.

 

Who is eligible for LibAccess?
For information who is eligible for LibAccess visit the LibAccess info page.

 

I have forgotten my LibAccess password. How can I get it reset?
You can reset your LibAccess account by going to https://libraryssl.lib.mcmaster.ca/libaccess/reset.php and selecting a new username and password.
I can log in to LibAccess on my campus computer, but when I try it at home, it doesn't work. Why?
LibAccess first looks at the IP address. If you're in the McMaster IP range, you are already authenticated, and therefore your LibAccess logon is being ignored. It is possible to key in the wrong logon credentials on your office computer and still be authenticated. LibAccess credentials are only checked on computers outside of the McMaster community, so, if your credentials are not working from home, visit the "forgot" page, and reset your username and password.

 

Can I access McMaster e-resources through a citation manager like Reference Manager or EndNote from home?

Unfortunately, LibAccess cannot be used for authentication when using a citation manager from home. You will need to access the e-resource using our Library Catalogue, and from the e-resource site you can export to a text file (if the option is available) and import into your citation manager. Another option is to use Refworks which is a Web-based bibliography and database manager, free for use by all currently registered McMaster students, as well as faculty and staff.