Accessing Digital Information Resources
Overview of Digital Information Resources Access
Digital information resources are licensed by the Biomedical Libraries and/or the Dartmouth College Library for affiliated users. Authentication of affiliated users is generally tied to your computer’s IP (network) address. Other authentication methods include username/password, PKI certificate, and Kerberos. Network security systems, firewalls, wireless networks, Internet service providers, and other local configurations can complicate matters considerably. Consult with your information technology support personnel for additional assistance.
Troubleshooting
Off-Campus Users
Many resources are only available to computers on the Dartmouth or DHMC computer networks. The remote system for the resource checks the "IP address" of your computer and lets you in if there is a match. If you are off campus and not dialing into the Dartmouth modem pool, you won't have an allowable IP address.
Another problem for off-campus users is that Kerberos/SideCar does not work well with many non-Dartmouth Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
- The best solution for off-campus users is a Virtual Private Network (VPN); the College and DHMC VPNs provide users with IP addresses in the appropriate range and also allow Kerberos to work correctly. The VPN creates a secure network connection between your computer and the Dartmouth or DHMC network.
- Dartmouth College's VPN Dartmouth College's VPN is available for users in the Dartmouth.edu name directory who have either Mac OSX or Windows 98/2000/XP. Instructions for installation and downloading may be found here. Consult your information technology department for assistance with installation.
- DHMC's VPN is available for users in the Hitchcock.org name directory. Information may be found at https://mylogin.hitchcock.org/externalaccess/. Click on "Information Downloads" and then select “Personal Computer” and “Biomedical Libraries Resources.” DHMC Computing requests that users apply all Windows Critical Updates and have updated virus definitions before using the VPN. DHMC’s VPN is available for Windows only, and Internet Explorer is the recommended browser. Contact DHMC's user support with questions; see section III below. To connect to the DHMC VPN, go to: https://tunnel1.hitchcock.org/webvpn.html and log in.
- Printing to a locally-networked or wireless printer while connected to the VPN may not work; save the document to the desktop and print after you disconnect. Printers connected directly to the computer with Ethernet will probably work while you are connected to the VPN.
- If you are located in a hospital or clinic , your institution may have made computer network configuration choices, including firewalls, that limit your access to information resources provided by the Biomedical Libraries and Dartmouth College. The VPN solution described above may work. If not, talk to your local technical support personnel.
- UpToDate is limited to on-site use at Dartmouth College DHMC/Lebanon; remote access is not permitted.
Ovid
- The “Start Ovid” button requires authentication with Kerberos or a PKI certificate. This method of logging on to Ovid connects the user to his/her own personal Ovid account for saving search strategies and preferences. Off-campus users may need to use the VPN (see above) to access Ovid with Kerberos.
- Ovid may also be accessed by users in appropriate IP ranges without using Kerberos or PKI. There is a link to Ovid with this method of authentication under the "Start Ovid" button on the login page. Personal accounts for saved search strategies can be set up and accessed once you are connected to an Ovid database. Off-campus users will need to use the VPN (see above).
- Ovid's "Get Full-Text" linking feature takes you to "Article Linker" which provides links to full-text articles outside the Ovid system at publishers' sites. Most publishers' sites require that you are connected to the Dartmouth or DHMC computer networks. You will need to set up the VPN (see above) if you are off-campus and want to take advantage of the links to full-text.
- Occasionally the local system that connects your Kerberos sign-in to your Ovid account is down. Users connected to the Dartmouth or DHMC computer networks may try http://gateway.ovid.com/autologin.html. You'll see the same selection of databases but you won't have access to your personal saved searches.
- Ovid schedules routine system maintenance for Saturday evenings form 9PM to midnight Eastern Standard Time. Ovid is not always available during those hours; maintenance is not done every week.
UpToDate
- UpToDate is limited to on-site use at Dartmouth College and DHMC/Lebanon, and selected other Dartmouth-Hitchcock sites.
- Remote access through dial-up modem, the proxy server, or virtual private network (VPN), is not permitted.
Additional Help
- See Guides, Tips, and Help for searching guides, guides to resources, educational workshop information, and other help from the Biomedical Libraries.
- For assistance with using digital information resources, contact Biomedical Libraries Reference by e-mail (biomedical.libraries.reference@dartmouth.edu) or phone (Dana, 603-650-1660, or Matthews-Fuller, 603-650-7660).
- For technical assistance with your computer, accessing the Internet, or installing a VPN, contact the appropriate computer help desk:
- Dartmouth Medical School users should contact: DMS.Computing.Support@Dartmouth.EDU or call 603-650-1600.
- Other Dartmouth College users should contact: Help@Dartmouth.EDU or call 603-646-2999.
- DHMC users at the Lebanon, NH, facility should contact User Support Staff or call 603-650-2222.
- DHC users in the Southern NH Region should contact User Support at: 603-629-1180.
- DHA users should contact your local computer support group.
- WRJ/VA users should contact computer support at 802-295-9363, extension 5630.
Ask Us
Off-Campus Access