Off-Campus Access to Library Databases
Community College library users may access the research databases from outside the college network with the MyVCCS login. The username and password are the same as for BlackBoard and student email. Your College may offer additional resources for on-campus use only, so consult your local library staff for details.
A list of available databases can be found on the Find Articles page. To access a database from off-campus, you will be prompted to enter a MyVCCS user name and password:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What login do I use for off-campus access to library resources?
- Why won't the system accept my login?
- I forgot my username / password, how can I reset it?
- I don't know my username / password, how can I find it?
- I am using a temporary ID, where do I login?
- What are the recommended minimum browser requirements for popular databases?
- I'm using the AOL Web browser / WebTV and I'm having nothing but problems, what's going on?
- I'm logged in but can't get to articles or journals. I keep getting a database error or seeing the database company's login screen. What should I do?
- I'm using my employer's network, why can't I access the databases?
1. What login do I use for off-campus access to library resources?
The MyVCCS username and password are the same as for BlackBoard, student email, and SIS. Be sure that Caps Lock is off.
2. Why won't the system accept my login?
You must be currently enrolled at a Virginia community college for your login to work. Accounts should be available by the first day of classes of the current semester. If you are using MS Internet Explorer and see a "Page Not Found" message after you log in, click on "Back" and try the link again, it should work the second time. If that does not work, please contact your local college library staff for further assistance.
3. I forgot my username / password, how can I reset it?
Look up your username and / or reset your password here.
4. I don't know my username / password, how can I find it?
Look up your username and create your password here.
5. I am using a temporary ID, where do I login?
If a registered user's login is not working, the college library staff may issue a temporary user name and password. If this is the case, please click here to logon.
6. What are the recommended minimum browser requirements for successful access to library databases?
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
- Firefox 2.0 or later - Free Download
- Safari 2.0 or later - Free Download
- JavaScript Enabled
- Cookies Enabled
- Adobe Flash Player 8.0 or later - Free Download
7. I'm using the AOL Web browser / WebTV and I'm having nothing but problems, what's going on?
Neither AOL's Web browser nor WebTV is suitable for off-campus access to library resources. Make sure you use Mozilla Firefox or MS Internet Explorer as your Web browser when connected to the Internet using AOL.
8. I'm logged in but can't get to articles or journals. I keep getting a database error or seeing the database company's login screen. What should I do?
Step 1: Clear your Web browser's cache (instructions here)
Step 2: Clear existing cookies and set your browser to accept cookies (instructions here)
Step 3: Make sure that Javascript is enabled (instructions here)
Step 4: Go back to the library home page and try to access the resource again.
9. I'm using my employer's network, why can't I access the databases?
Your employer's network may not permit proxying or may have a firewall in place. This situation could prevent you from accessing library databases from the workplace.