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Off-Campus Library Access: Home

Directions and information about remotely accessing the library's resources from off-campus.

Off-Campus Library Access

Directions and information about remotely accessing the library's resources from off-campus.

Remote Access

To access the online databases from home or any other off-campus location, you will need to use the network user ID assigned to you by Sacred Heart University.  The username is usually your last name, first inital.  The password is your email password.  The sign-on is the same as your SHU email, Blackboard and WebAdvisor. 

When you click on the title of one of the databases, a box will pop up asking for this information.  On the first line, type just your username.  On the second line, type in your password.  Hit enter.

Once you have accessed one database, you will be able to access any other database through our library website.  However, if you let the database sit idle for 20 minutes or longer, you will be logged out and you will have to sign in again using the same procedure.

Please be aware that some employers do have firewalls that may prevent you from accessing the databases from your place of employment.  If you have any problems accessing the databases, please contact our Reference Desk at (203) 371-7726 or email us at reference@sacredheart.edu.

Off-Campus Access Video Tutorial

Database Access Troubleshooting

  • ​Make sure you are using the correct login credentials. Usually your last name followed by first initial. (e.g. smithj) do not include entire email (note: you'll be locked out for 20 minutes after a few incorrect attempts to login).
  • Try a different database to see if you can access it. Occasionally a specific resource may go offline for a short period of time, you can try again after a few minutes.
  • You may not be able access the library's resources  from your work because of firewalls.
  • Close your browser, and try using a different web browser. If using IE try Chrome. If using Chrome try Firefox.
  • If you can login to SHU email and Blackboard, you should be able to access the library resources. If you can't access any of your SHU resources contact The Factory 203-365-7575. 
  • If you're still having difficulty, contact the library's reference desk at 203-371-7726.
  • An alternative way to access library resources from off-campus is to setup a VPN (virtual private network).