Library Home > Services > Off-Campus Access to Library Resources

Off-Campus Access to Library Resources

Most of the library's electronic resources are available from off-campus to current Sonoma State University students, faculty and staff.

  • Snoopy Library Catalog (books, music, videos & more)
    • Available to all. No Library PIN or barcode needed for basic searching
  • Find Articles & More… (journal articles & full-text databases)
    • Library PIN and barcode number from campus ID (or library card) required for remote access.
    • Restricted to current SSU Students, Faculty and Staff.
  • ebooks (books available online)
    • Library PIN and barcode number from campus ID (or library card) required for remote access.
    • Restricted to current SSU Students, Faculty and Staff.
    • For a listing, search Snoopy by keyword for “electronic books."

Troubleshooting Remote Access FAQ

  • Can't get past prompt for barcode and PIN to the actual database
    • There may be some discrepancy between the information you are entering and your profile in our database.
    • First try to verify that your entry is correct by accessing My Library Record in the Snoopy Library Catalog.
    • If you cannot access your record, verify your barcode at the Circulation Desk (664-2375) and ask that they delete your PIN.
    • You will then be able to create a new PIN, in case you have not remembered the original one correctly.
  • Can't display full text, dialog boxes don't appear, or the screen display is otherwise incomplete
    • Most journal databases and FindIt@SSU still require Cookies and Javascript to be enabled. Call the Information Commons Service desk (664-2162) if you need assistance setting these up.
  • Inability to connect: "trying," "host not found," etc.
    • This is frequently a server problem, located in any number of places: your ISP, the library server, any number of connections along the way, or the database host server.
    • If you cannot reach the library's home page, the library server may be down, or busy. Call the Reference Desk at 664-2161 for details.
    • If you know that the library server is working, check other connections (i.e. try other databases) to try to isolate the problem.
    • "All ports in use..." Another possibility is that we have reached capacity on the number of simultaneous users allowed on that particular database. Trying another database, as noted above, will also help determine if this is the case. If so, try again a little later.
    • Time-Out of Database Connection : Most databases will time-out (i.e. disconnect) after 10-15 minutes if there has been no search activity in that time. Some databases will display a message to tell you that they have done so and will ask for a username and password to reconnect. If this happens, ignore this request and return to the library's “Find Articles & More…” page. To reconnect, click on the link for that database.
  • Acrobat Reader and PDF fiiles
    • Some articles are available in PDF format and require the Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view them. The Acrobat Reader is available as a free download Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • If you are having difficulty accessing library resources contact the Reference Desk (707-664-2161) and we'll try to help you figure out the problem. You may also Ask a Librarian and we will get back to you soon!