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Off-Campus Access

Even if you are not physically on campus, you can still access the library's catalog, databases, and receive expert research assistance from Bowman Librarians through the library website. 

Learn more about how to access library resources when off-campus below and explore the resources available throughout our library website. Connect with a librarian for research assistance and reference services: Get Help from a Librarian. 

For additional assistance with connecting to campus resources, please refer to Menlo's Office of Information Technology.

 

 

Accessing Library Resources from Off Campus


All of the library’s databases are available whether you are on campus or off campus.

  • To find an A-Z list of our resources:
    • Click on the “Article & Research Databases” tab, located in the navigation menu under "Find & Borrow".

 

Once you open the A-Z database list:

  • Click on the database you want to access
  • The box below will open, requiring you to enter your Menlo username and password (firstname.lastname). Please note that the username and password fields are case-sensitive. Do not add the @menlo.edu to your username.
  • You are now signed in and ready to use the Library's Resources

Note: If you close your current browser or decide to use another browser, you will need to sign in again.

Popular Databases

Don't forget to also check for a class course guide. These librarian-created guides feature lists of databases and tips for working on projects. For a complete list of all library databases, please visit the A-Z Database List.

Troubleshooting Remote Access

Troubleshooting remote access issues for library resources can be tricky, but there are some common steps we can take to identify the point of failure and/or resolve the issue. The most common sources of access issues are user errors (browser settings, incorrect account logins, etc.), library resource vendor errors (proxy issues, database vendor issues, etc.), and IT system errors (power outages, server errors, etc.).

Below are some tips and tricks for resolving common access errors.

If you are still experiencing problems with library resource access, please feel free to contact Amy Lee, Systems Librarian, directly or submit a Technical Support Request Form. 

 

Clear your cache, cookies, and browsing history

Sometimes, access issues arise because your browser attempts to use saved data (including login credentials) from an old user session that has expired or is now incorrect. In these cases, clearing your browser's cache, cookies, and/or browsing history often provides a reset that allows you to use your current login credentials to access library resources as expected. Here are some links to instructions on how to do so for some common browsers:

Another test: Try accessing the resource incognito or from a different browser

  • If you can access the library resource from an incognito or private browser window, the issue is likely caused by incorrect data saved in your browser's history. Please follow instructions above to clear your cache, cookies, and browsing history and try to access the library resource
  • Try using a different browser to access the resource. Some access issues arise from browser incompatibility of updates made by the library resource provider and are isolated to specific browsers.

Verify your Menlo Account status

Another common source of access issues is a locked Menlo account or incorrect Menlo account login credentials. Bowman Library uses EZProxy to provide remote library access to the Menlo College campus community, which requires a successful login using Menlo account credentials to authenticate users. Here are some steps for resolving access issues caused by Menlo account access problems:

  • Check that you are using the correct username for your Menlo account login.
    • Remember: do not add @menlo.edu to your username. Most students and faculty will have a username in the format: firstname.lastname
  • If you've forgotten your password or need to unlock your account, use IT's self-service password reset tool

If you have tried the above and are still having issues accessing your Menlo College account, please contact IT Support via:

1 - Chat (Available 24/7) : IT Helpdesk Chat

2- Phone: (650) 543-3830

3 - Email:  helpdesk@menlo.edu

4 - Visit: IT Center in the Library

Check the status of library resources and systems

  • In the event of disruptive system maintenance or a known outage, the Bowman Library team will put up an announcement or alert banner on the library website's homepage and the A-Z List of Databases (Articles and Databases Page). Check to see if there are any alerts for the library system or the resource you are trying to access. 
  • During a service disruption, please feel free to reach out to libraryhelp@menlo.edu for assistance with research, library, or information needs. We may be able to find a workaround or alternative solution for your information needs, so please do not hesitate to reach out!

No luck? Contact the Bowman Library Team!

If you are still having issues with accessing a library resource, please contact the Bowman Library team! We will triage with the library resource provider and Menlo OIT as needed to resolve technical issues and ensure you get access.