Electronic Resources
Accessing eResources
Albertsons Library purchases or subscribes to a wealth of electronic resources available to students, faculty, and staff to support student success and research needs. Users can access those resources by ensuring they authenticate as an affiliate of Boise State University.
Access resources on campus
Most library resources can be accessed while on campus by IP authentication. This means that we have supplied an IP address range to the vendor that will allow users to access eBooks, databases, and journals from a campus computer.
Access resources off campus
Library users can utilize the library's electronic resources off campus and 'on the go' by authenticating as a Boise State University affiliate via our proxy server. Links provided in our WorldCat Discovery (library catalog), A-Z Journals list, A-Z Databases list, or subject guides will include a proxy prefix before the resource URL that prompts users to authenticate with Boise State University credentials to access materials.
Other Access Methods
Some electronic resources require users to create a username/password account with their Boise State University email. These resources can be identified on the A-Z Database list with an orange Registration Required identifier. Please note the specific access instructions for those databases.
What does the "Find It?" button do?
When searching a database, the Find It button may indicate that full text is not directly available. Clicking the Find It button will direct users to our A-Z Journals list and search Albertsons Library holdings for the article.
ProQuest Central search:
Find It button results in A-Z Journals list:
How do I use eBooks?
Accessing eBooks
Visit the Albertsons Library eBook Databases LibGuide to learn more about all of the library's eBook vendors. Feel free to browse the collections and discover new titles! Each page contains information for navigating the platform and includes an "at a glance" chart of features and tools for that particular platform. There are also guides and reading suggestions.
The eBooks on Mobile Devices page offers help with downloading eBooks on Apple, Android, Kindle, and Rakuten Kobo devices.
Learn more about User Definitions for eBook access level definitions and limitations. Detailed information about allowable downloads, permissions for printing pages, and more will be on each vendor page in the eBooks Database.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are still experiencing problems after you have authenticated with your Boise State University credentials, there may be a technical issue or difference in coverage preventing you from accessing content. Try the following tips to troubleshoot the issue. If you are still having issues accessing electronic content, please submit a Report a Problem form, and library staff will investigate the issue.
Are you experiencing a paywall?
A paywall means that you are being denied access and often being prompted for payment to read an article or eBook. Check the following:
- Be sure you have authenticated.
- You will often see 'Access Provided by Boise State University' on many platforms if you have authenticated via IP address or the proxy server. You will also notice BSU's proxy prefix in the URL (https://libproxy.boisestate.edu/login?url=). If you don't see these indicators, review the process in this guide for adding an EzProxy Bookmarklet to your browser bookmark bar. The bookmarklet allows users to quickly add proxy information to the webpage and authenticate using BSU credentials.
- Review the library's paid coverage for the journal.
- In some cases, the library will only have coverage or access to a specific number of issues/years. Search WorldCat Discovery or the A-Z Journals list to ensure the article is included in that coverage.
- Is the link from an old bookmark?
- Vendors may update URLs to library resources which can result in old bookmarks to articles or journals presenting errors. Make sure to update your bookmark links with persistent URLs (PURLs). Visit the Persistent URLs in Databases guide to learn more.
Are you experiencing error messages or is content not resolving correctly?
- Try accessing different browser
- There are several browsers to choose from, such as Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. It can also be useful to make sure your browser version is current. Locate your browser's About page to see if your browser is up to date.
- Clearing cache, cookies, or browser history
- Determine what browser you're using and click the link below to find steps to clear your cookies, cache, or browsing history. After clearing your browsing history, you may need to authenticate with your Boise State University credentials again.
- Google Chrome
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Determine what browser you're using and click the link below to find steps to clear your cookies, cache, or browsing history. After clearing your browsing history, you may need to authenticate with your Boise State University credentials again.