Electronic Resources: Troubleshooting: Database Access Issues

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Note: Remote (off-campus) access to electronic materials is reserved for current faculty, staff, and students of Willamette University.

If you are uncertain of your current university affiliation, you may contact the library during regular business hours at 503-370-6018.

If you are experiencing trouble accessing one of our databases, there are several possible solutions.

• Use a private or incognito browser:
  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Firefox
• Clear browser's cache and cookies
  • Refer to The University of Iowa's guide on how to clear cache and cookies by browser.
• Enable JavaScript on your browser:
  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Firefox does not allow you to adjust JavaScript settings. 
• Disable your computer's firewall when using a database. Remember to turn the firewall back on after you are done.
  • Firewall Settings on a PC
  • Firewall Settings on a Mac
• Use a different browser (e.g. Chrome, Safari, Firefox).
• The Microsoft Edge browser does not work with many websites and its icon looks very similar to the Internet Explorer icon. If you are using the Edge browser, changing browsers may fix the issue.

If none of these solutions work, please report the problem using out Contact Form. When filling out the form, list the name of the database, the name of the article (if applicable), and a description of the error. We will contact you when the issue has been resolved.

These guides were adopted from similar guides created at the UT Libraries of Texas with their permission.