Off-Campus FAQ

What is required to use the new Off-Campus proxy to access UW Restricted resources?

The new Off-Campus proxy works with almost any web browser that allows Web traffic on port 80, and does not require any customization of your browser's settings. However, you must have cookies enabled to authenticate with UW's UWNetID. To start a session within the proxy, you will need to know your UWNetID and password (the same that you use for campus email). Also note that many of the Library's resources are not restricted, and can be accessed from anywhere without the Offcampus proxy.

AOL's browser does not work with the new proxy service. AOL users should download and install Firefox and use that browser for access via the proxy service.

How do I get started with the Offcampus proxy?

To login, select the URLs for your main page (Libraries Gateway or HealthLinks) or if you know the URL of the resource you'd like to browse to, you can enter it in the Offcampus navigator box. If you close your browser window, you will need to log back in. Please remember to log out when you are done by closing the browser.

There are also tools to help you use the proxy more effectively.

I logged into the proxy successfully and was able to access some resources, but now I'm getting a login prompt (like the Proquest login page). Why did it stop working?

Once you have successfully logged into the proxy, use the browser "Forward" and "Back" buttons whenever possible, otherwise you may "fall out" of your session. If you are working successfully in the proxy, URLs will contain the domain name "offcampus.lib.washington.edu". If you are not seeing "offcampus.lib.washington.edu" in the URLs, please return to the Offcampus proxy page or enter the URL you want to proxy here:

I need to turn a proxied URL into the regular URL so I can cite it in my bibliography. How do I do that?

Enter the proxied URL here:

What if I have been using the Libraries Proxy Server - will I have to change my browser again?

The old Libraries Proxy Server, which uses a proxy-autoconfiguration (PAC) file in your browser, works independently of the new Offcampus proxy. So, if you have the the PAC file configuration in your browser already, it will not affect your use of the new proxy. However, you may be prompted to enter your barcode and PIN if you "fall out" of Offcampus proxy space and select a restricted resource. If you are set up to use the old Libraries proxy server but want to remove the settings, simply follow our directions to reconfigure your browser.

I'm having problems with my UWNetID - what should I do?

Your UWNetID is set up and maintainied through campus C&C. You can contact them for additional help with your UWNetID.

What do I do if the Offcampus proxy works from home but not from my workplace, the FHRC, etc.?

Often businesses and medical agencies have special firewall software in place to protect their network and/or to exclude certain Internet locations (filtering). You should talk to your local administrator about gaining access. However, in these cases, the Offcampus proxy access may not work.