Off Campus Access

Accessing the Library's databases from home is simple.

Who can access the article and research databases from off campus?

Off campus access to the Library's databases is available only to currently enrolled Normandale students, faculty and staff.

What you need

You will need a Student ID Card that has a barcode number on the back. The barcode number must be activated by the library in order to access databases from off campus. To activate the barcode, stop by the Circulation desk, call 952-487-8290 or email AskRef.

How to access the article and research databases

Simply click on the Find Articles & More tab on the Library Homepage and select the Article Databases by Subject link. When you click on a database link, you will be prompted to enter your User Name, which is your barcode number and password (your last name). That’s it.

Trouble shooting remote access

  • My barcode and password don’t work.

    Make sure you are using your barcode number (20205……) and your last name as a password. Not your tech ID number, social security number or date of birth.
  • I keep getting a “page cannot be displayed” or “page cannot be found” error.
    This usually happens when you are trying to access the research databases from your work or another place where they have a firewall that is blocking access to the proxy server.
    If you are trying to access the databases from home, this message can mean that your browser security settings are too high or you have a personal firewall blocking access.

How to Enable Javascript
How to Enable Browser Cookies

Check Browser Settings

JavaScript and cookies must be enabled in your browser to access Library databases from off campus.

Use this button to see if you have JavaScript enabled.

  • If it is enabled, a message box will appear that says, "You have JavaScript enabled and can properly use this website!"
  • If it is not enabled, no message box will appear. To use this site properly, you will need to enable JavaScripting on your browser.

How to Enable Javascript

Internet Explorer 6 or 7

  1. Select Tools from the top menu.
  2. Choose Internet Options.
  3. Click Security tab.
  4. Click on Custom Level button.
  5. Scroll down until you see the Scripting section.
  6. Under Active Scripting, select Enable and click OK.

Firefox 2 or 3

  1. Select Tools from the top menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Choose Content from the top navigation.
  4. Select the checkbox next to Enable JavaScript and click OK.

Safari 2 or 3

  1. Select Safari from the top menu.
  2. Choose Preferences.
  3. Choose Security tab.
  4. Select the Enable JavaScript checkbox.

Use this button to see if you have cookies enabled.

  • If it is enabled, a message box will appear that says, "You have cookies enabled and can properly use this website!"
  • If it is not enabled, a message box will appear that says, "Cookies ARE NOT currently enabled! Please read below on this page for information on how to enable cookies." To use this site properly, you will need to enable cookies on your browser.
    • Note: JavaScripting must be enabled to use the Cookie Test.

How to Enable Browser Cookies

Cookies Enabled is a default setting in both Internet Explorer and Firefox. If your cookies are disabled, follow these steps to enable your browser cookies:

Internet Explorer 6 or 7

  1. Select Internet Options from the Tools menu.
  2. Click Privacy tab.
  3. Click the "Default" button (or manually slide the bar down to medium under Settings).
  4. Click OK to save changes. 

Firefox 2 or 3

  1. Go to the Tools menu.
  2. Select Options.
  3. Click the Privacy tab.
  4. Select the Accept cookies from sites checkbox.
  5. Click OK to save changes.

Safari 3

  1. Click the Safari menu.
  2. Select Preferences.
  3. Click Security.
  4. In the Accept Cookies section, select Always.
  5. Click OK.

If you experience difficulties in accessing the article and research databases, please contact Carol Johnson, call (952) 487-8290 or email AskRef.