Frequently asked questions
If you're trying to connect from work, a K-12 school, or from a military base, the information below will help you connect.
Tips on connecting
- If you have a pop-up blocker, it should be disabled.
- Some dial-up providers use some sort of "Net-Accelerator" software.
In some instances this interferes with our authentication server, so it should
be temporarily disabled.
- If you have a firewall software program, it may be blocking our proxy server.
If so, it should be configured to allow or accept the proxy server < http://libproxy.library.wmich.edu > The
firewall must allow outgoing connections for ports: 80, 444, 2443, 2048.
- Confirm that JavaScript is activated:
- In FireFox, click on Tools, then Options, then Web Features
- In Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then Internet Options, then Security,
then Custom level. Make sure Scripting is activated.
- In Netscape, click on Edit, then Preferences, then Advanced, then Scripts & Plugins.
Make sure Enable Javascript for Navigator is activated.
- Clear your Internet cache:
- In FireFox, click on Tools, then Options, then Privacy.
- In Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then Internet Options, then General
and then click on Delete Cookies and Delete Files.
- In Netscape, click on Edit, then Preferences, then Privacy & Security,
then Advanced, then Cache, then Clear Disk Cache and Clear Memory Cache.
- Make sure cookies are enabled:
- In FireFox, click on Tools, then Options, then Privacy.
- In Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then Internet Options, and then General.
- In Netscape, click on Edit, then Preferences, then Privacy & Security,
and then Cookies.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check my Bronco NetID?
You can confirm your Bronco NetID here.
In addtion, useful phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and frequently asked questions
are located at the OIT
Help Desk and Bronco
NetID Frequently Asked Questions Web pages. Without your Bronco NetID, you
just cannot gain access to library databases from home or from off campus.
I know my Bronco NetID, but I'm not able to log in.
Some public schools, businesses, and cable companies have installed software
called a firewall that helps protect you from computer viruses. You
can tell if you're behind a firewall if, after you submitted your user name and
password, you receive a Web page that says '403 error' or you receive a blank
Web page that says 'Page cannot be displayed.' Please direct your local Webmaster
or Internet service provider to Tip #3, Tips on Connecting, located in the above
section.
If you are using any of these Web browsers—Firefox, Mozilla, Internet
Explorer, Netscape,
or Safari—you should use the
latest version available, except for Internet Explorer version 7.0. The
WMU Office of Information Technology recommends delaying the installation of Internet
Explorer 7.0. Read more
Always checkto make sure that you have JavaScript and cookies enabled, or
turned on. If you're using your home computer and have never edited these settings
before, then you probably don't have to worry about enabling cookies and/or JavaScript.
If you're unsure, then please refer to your Web browser's help section on cookies
and JavaScript.
Can I bookmark some databases on the Libraries' Web site?
Once you learn to navigate the University Libraries' Web site, you may think
that you can simplify the "connect from home" process and simply "bookmark" an
index or a database such as ProQuest Research Library, JSTOR, or LexisNexis.
However, once you leave the site, and attempt to return, you will discover that
the bookmarked site will ask you for a username and password. Unfortunately,
the BroncoNetID and password will not reopen that licensed database since you
have bypassed the Libraries' authentication system that identifies you as a WMU
student, faculty, or staff member. You will have to leave your bookmarked page
and reenter the site through the Libraries' Web site. There are no short cuts
since the EZ Proxy system is the only way in from off campus that identifies
you as a WMU student, faculty, or staff member.
Why do some databases in which I am searching indicate that there
is a cost for the full text of an article?
The University Libraries must negotiate a contract or legal agreement to gain
access to every book or journal article that is available in full text. There
are specialized resources that we are unable to purchase due to budget constraints
although we also have thousands of books and journal articles now available online
at no cost to WMU students, faculty, and staff members. In addition, while the
first database that you may use may not contain full-text, you can use the Find
it at WMU button  to
see if it is available in full text in another database or if we might have a
print copy in the Libraries. We also can borrow through interlibrary
loan copies of articles that are not available in print or full text online.
So what can you do to get some personal help?
Submit an online
form that puts you in contact with library staff who can help you. Simply
complete the online help form with information about your Web browser, brand
of computer, Internet Service Provider, and most importantly, where you are trying
to access the Library Web site from, what kind of messages you are seeing on
your screen, and the name of the resource you are trying to access (e.g. Scopus,
JSTOR, ERIC). |
