Troubleshooting common connection problems
Members of the Cornell community can use restricted Library resources from both on and off campus, but occasionally users run into problems connecting.
Here are some issues to consider before filling out our Library Feedback form.
Did you begin your search at library.cornell.edu?
If you begin your search at the Library home page, you’ll be prompted for your NetID when you click on library-licensed resources.
Install Access Anywhere on Your Browser
When not starting off on the library homepage, you can install Access Anywhere on your web browser and use it to directly access databases, journals, and e-books that would otherwise be restricted or hidden behind paywalls. Just follow the directions below!
In your web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Safari), make sure the bookmark toolbar is visible and then drag the Access Anywhere icon to it.
You can also add a direct link to your favorites or bookmarks by bookmarking any page, renaming it, and then pasting the following (including the semicolon at the end):
javascript:void(location.href="http://proxy.library.cornell.edu/login?url="+location.href);
Visit the Access Anywhere library guide for more installation information.
Trouble with authentication?
If you are asked for a special username and password (not your NetID and password), there may be technical issues with the resource. Please ask a librarian for assistance.
Individual Resource Is Down or Misconfigured
A particular journal or database may be unavailable due to problems at the publisher's Web site, or the Library may need to make changes to its own configuration. If you’ve tried a few times to access a resource but still can’t, please don’t hesitate to report this so we can look into what’s going on.
Browser Incompatibility
Many different browsers are available, and most resources should work with most browsers. If you are having trouble, rule out browser incompatibility by attempting access with a recent version of Chrome or Firefox.
Browser Settings
Cookies need to be enabled. Some resources won't work if your browser's cookie settings are too restrictive.
Odd behaviors can occur when cookies or cache files become corrupted. Try clearing your cookies and cache and restarting your browser. If your browser is configured to go through a proxy server, you may run into problems accessing Cornell resources.
Pop-Up Blockers
Pop-up blockers in Web browsers won't prevent you from connecting to a particular site, but they may interfere with your ability to display some of the resources within that site.
Firewalls
Many universities, businesses, hotels, and airports have set up firewalls to block potentially harmful network traffic. These firewalls may also block your access to Library resources; however, most firewalls will allow VPN (Virtual Private Network) traffic. Learn about Cornell VPN.
If you still can't connect, please contact us.