Library and Academic Success: Troubleshooting: Database Access

Database troubleshooting basics

Try these quick fixes to get you searching in no time!

What internet browser are you using? Internet Explorer? Firefox? Chrome?
Check the database description to see if there is a preferred browser. Some databases simply don't play nicely with particular browsers. We tryto keep this information updated, and located right next to the database name/description on our research guides and database list.
Check to see if there is an alternate browser installed on your computer, and try accessing the library website/databases again from the new browser.
If you've tested in multiple browsers but still get the same error message, there may be a problem on the library's end - let us know!!
Have you cleared your cache/cookies and checked your internet settings? Your web browser may have saved some settings in a previous session our website, or you may not be seeing the most current version of the library page if there have been recent updates. See our Browser & software requirements section for more suggestions and details.
MAC users - as long as you are NOT USING FIREFOX you should authenticate quickly, get search results and access to PDF's with no issues.

Other frequently asked questions

How do I link to articles & resources in the Library databases?
You need to create a stable link to an article or other resource found on the library site so you can access it on or off campus.
On campus access to databases
This list of databases can be used to access the library databases ON CAMPUS ONLY if remote authentication systems are down. For more information, please ask research help or customer service staff.

General database access error messages

Error session timed out
Problem: this error occurs most frequently when browser security permissions conflict with the database you are trying to access. This error may also occur if the database website is very slow, and you'll need to try again in a bit.

The Fix:
Adjust your browser security settings in Internet Explorer to accept cookies or try using Firefox or Chome as alternatives to Internet Explorer. If you suspect error is related to the database website being very slow, try again in a little while.
ERROR MESSAGE (Code 3)
Problem: This message indicates a problem with the way a database or resource has been entered into our remote access system.

The Fix: Please advise library staff and try again within 24 hours. On campus access may work for this resource when off campus is not.
Ezproxy Authentication
Problem: You maybe trying to follow a link that does not have the correct authentication tag, or had a sessional URL that has expired. Sometimes occurs when a link is taken from a databases/article off campus, then accessed from on campus.

The Fix: Try accessing the link on campus and removing the .rap.ocls.ca from the end. Review our information on locating & using stable links. You will most likely need to redo your search - research help staff are available to help.
EBSCOhost Login page
Problem: typically occurs when trying to access a database or item from a database off campus, without the remote authentication login. May occur if you obtain a persistent/stable link from a database, but do not have the correct remote authentication on the link for off campus access.

The Fix: If not already present, you can try adding: http://ra.ocls.ca/ra/login.aspx?inst=georgian&url=
to the beginning of your URL
Access Denied
Problem: This message indicates there is a small problem in the setup of your account within the Library's system.

The fix: Please call your library's customer service desk OR our toll free number 1.877.890.8477. Barrie Library is usually open latest - please call Barrie (toll free) during the late evening for prompt assistance.
My EBSCOhost account login
The Problem: You may have clicked "Download" instead of "PDF full text" on an eBook. My EBSCO host account is a feature that you can set up within EBSCO databases. It allows you to "download" or check out eBooks so you can load them on a device such as a tablet.

The Fix: Try the PDF full text link, or create an EBSCOhost account.