Off-site Access to E-Resources

The AMNH Library utilizes a proxy server that allows members of the AMNH community to access almost all of the Library's electronic resources from off-site.

To utilize the proxy server, follow these steps:

  1. From the Library's website choose the resource you want to access: either a citation or full-text database, an e-journal, or an online reference source.
  2. If it is a free resource you will be able to click on it for direct access. If you click on a licensed resource, you may first encounter a window asking if you want to accept the site's security certificate. Click on selections to accept the certificate and make the acceptance permanent -- by making the acceptance permanent you will avoid this step in the future. The exact procedure for accepting the certificate will vary depending on the operating system (Mac, Windows, etc.) and browser you are using (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.).
  3. Next you will see a screen prompting you to enter your user name and password from your AMNH email account. Do not enter your entire email address, just the part that comes before the @ symbol (so leave off: @amnh.org). Also, do not enter an alias user name. Once you have entered the appropriate user name and password, click “submit query.”
  4. Depending on your browser, you may see a “Security Alert,” “Security Information,” or “Security Warning” window. Click “Continue” or “OK”. You should now have access to the resource.

Need More Help?

If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions about the proxy server the Reference staff will be happy to walk you through it. Please contact Library Reference or call the reference desk at (212)769-5400.

Usage Restrictions

Usage Restrictions for Licensed and/or Copyrighted Materials

Use of licensed electronic resources is governed by agreements that impose certain restrictions. Usage is restricted to 1) AMNH staff members, and 2) members of the public using workstations located in the library.

These resources are also restricted to individual, non-commercial use only; any systematic downloading, distributing, or retaining substantial portions of information is prohibited. Also prohibited is the electronic transfer of documents. Users of full-text resources may not print multiple copies of any article (or entire journal issues).

Off-site Access Policies

Off-site access to licensed resources is restricted to members of the AMNH community and is authenticated by the user's email login and password. According to the AMNH Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy, "sharing passwords is not permitted" and is considered unacceptable use of a Museum email account; thus, users may not share password information with others to enable access to AMNH Library resources. Failure to comply with this policy jeopardizes the Library's subscriptions to licensed resources -- and may result in the termination of the user's Museum email account.

It is the responsibility of each user to insure that he or she complies with these usage guidelines.