Did you know that you can access all of the resources on the Carnegie Mellon Libraries website from any off-campus location? Since the databases are licensed for use by affiliates of CMU only, they block access to anyone without a recognizable IP (Internet Protocol) address. This is the number that identifies every computer that is connected to the Internet.

There’s an old way to do it and a new way. The old way is being phased out and is no longer supported by Computing Services, but it’s easier to use, and for the time being, it still works. Just go to https://access.web.cmu.edu/http://www.library.cmu.edu and use your Andrew ID and password to log in. And poof, the system knows you’re with CMU and grants you full access. (The library website notes that your web browser must have Java, JavaScript, and cookies enabled in order for this method to work.)

The new method, an “IP Address Extension Service,” requires some prep work the first time you use it. First you’ll need to register your off-campus computer at https://vpn.net.cmu.edu/. Then, configure your computer according to the directions at http://www.cmu.edu/computing/ documentation/VPN/vpn.html. This will walk you through the process of setting up a Virtual Public Network (VPN) Connection on your computer, so that you can communicate with a computer on campus and use its IP address to access the library’s databases. Windows machines need to use the New Connection Wizard, and Macs will create a New VPN Connection in the Internet Connect control panel. Once you’ve completed this set up, each subsequent time you want to access the libraries’ resources, you’ll only have to log in to the VPN connection on your off-campus machine.

Even if you think you won’t need it, it’s a good idea to go ahead and register your computer now. With deadlines and final exams rapidly approaching, you might have to access Cameo or ProQuest at 4 in the morning, and you won’t be able to get into the library. And plus, you can be as loud and as naked as you want in the privacy of your own home.