Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth

Policy on Remote Access to Networked Electronic Resources

Introduction

One of Lewis Library’s goals is to provide UNTHSC students, staff, and faculty access to the bibliographic tools and resources needed to conduct the school’s teaching, research, service, and patient care activities.  A key aspect of this access is allowing for remote use of electronic resources.  Remote access is provided only to UNTHSC students, staff, and faculty with an active Novell username and password and up-to-date security training.   

Remote access can be achieved in one of three ways:

1. Proxy Server  – All links to restricted resources on Lewis Library’s web site are coded so as to prompt the user for a Novell username and password.  Entering this data will allow the user remote access to the selected resource.  No modifications to the user’s web browser software are necessary for use of the UNTHSC proxy server.  The library website will deposit a cookie on the user’s computer during this operation.  The cookie will be deleted when the user closes the web browser software.
    
2. Virtual Private Network (VPN) – VPN software can be obtained from Information Technology Services (http://www.hsc.unt.edu/departments/ITSHelpdesk/) and is used to provide transparent remote access.  The software is available for UNTHSC students, staff, and faculty only and must be loaded on the user’s computer.  The user initially logs in with a Novell username and password, then is able to access restricted electronic resources as if he or she is on campus.
    
3. Dial-in to UNTHSC Network – UNTHSC students, staff, and faculty with active Novell usernames and passwords may use a telephone-based modem and dial-in to the campus network.  This means of access provides for seamless use of resources since the user is operating on the UNTHSC network.  Instructions on the proper number to dial and computer settings may be obtained from Information Technology Services (http://www.hsc.unt.edu/departments/ITSHelpdesk/).

The electronic resources offered by Lewis Library are produced by commercial publishers and academic societies, and their availability is contingent upon Lewis Library and UNTHSC entering into legal agreements limiting access.  The agreements typically limit use of the resources to UNTHSC students, staff, and faculty, and to individuals physically present in Lewis Library.  In order to ensure compliance with these contracts and continued access to the resources, Lewis Library issues the following policy.

Policy

1. All users connected to the UNTHSC computer network from a UNTHSC campus building and all individuals using the public computers in Lewis Library have seamless access to the databases and electronic journals found on the library’s website.
    
2. Only UNTHSC students, staff, and faculty with active Novell usernames and passwords and up-to-date security training may access the library’s restricted electronic resources from outside the campus network. 
    
3. Adjunct faculty with active Novell usernames and passwords and up-to-date security training are able to remotely access the library’s electronic resources.  For adjunct faculty who are employees of businesses with which Lewis Library has fee-for-service arrangements, this access is not meant to be a substitute for the fee-based services. 
    
4. No “access for fee” options are available to non-UNTHSC individuals.  Those not affiliated with the university must directly contact a database or journal vendor to arrange for personal access.
    
5. Users of the library’s restricted electronic resources must adhere to applicable licensing restrictions, copyright law, and UNTHSC policy.  For more information, see the library’s Policy on Use of Library Computers and Electronic Resources at http://library.hsc.unt.edu/policies/computeruse.cfm.
    
6. This policy shall be considered and applied in conformity with other UNTHSC policies, including but not limited to the library’s Policy on Use of Library Computers and Electronic Resources and the UNTHSC Acceptable Use Policy at http://www.hsc.unt.edu/policies/IRWG/IRPolicySection402.pdf.

Lewis Library policies can be found online at http://library.hsc.unt.edu/policies/index.cfm.  Print copies of the policies can be obtained at the library Circulation Desk.

Policy last updated May 14, 2007