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Off-Campus Access (OCA) and Remote Access

Tools and tips for using Library resources when away from campus.

What is ProxyGU?

If you are on a database or journal website (like jstor.org), ProxyGU will reload your current page through the Library’s proxy server. This allows you to log in without going back to the Library’s website.

Watch a brief (30-second) video demo of Proxy GU: (does not include logging in with NetID)

Installing ProxyGU

Desktop Installation (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

ProxyGU

To install, drag the button above to your Bookmarks toolbar in Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. You must have Javascript enabled for the button to work. (This is normally the case unless you have manually changed your Javascript setting in your browser.)

To use ProxyGU, simply go to a page you would like to view, then click the "Proxy GU" button in your Bookmarks menu. Your browser will be redirected through the Library's proxy server (possibly prompting you to log in with your NetID/password) and then should reload the page you are reading.

Mobile Installation

ProxyGU on iPhone (iOS)

To install, create a new bookmark, then edit the new bookmark to include the ProxyGU code. Follow these suggested instructions:

Add a new Bookmark:

  • Touch and hold  bookmark button, then tap Add Bookmark.
  • On the "Add Bookmark" screen, edit the name (the first line) - we suggest naming the bookmark ProxyGU.
  • Don't worry about changing the URL (for now).
  • Change/verify the Location is Favorites.
  • Tap Save to save the new bookmark.

Edit the Bookmark to contain the ProxyGU Code:

  • Select and copy the following  Javascript code. (Make sure you've selected all of it before copying!)
    javascript:void((function(){location.href='https://proxy.library.georgetown.edu/login?qurl='+encodeURIComponent(location.href);})());
  • Tap bookmark button to bring up the Bookmarks menu.
  • Tap Edit to get into editing mode, then tap ProxyGU (or the name you gave your new bookmark).
  • Delete the URL text (probably starting with "http://guides.library.georgetown.edu..."), then touch and hold to Paste the copied code.
  • Tap Done to save the bookmark.

ProxyGU on Android 

To install, create a new bookmark, then edit the new bookmark to include the ProxyGU code.  

Follow these suggested instructions:

  • Open Google Chrome Web browser on your phone
    • From a Home screen, navigate: Apps icon > Chrome icon Google Chrome Icon
  • Tap the Menu icon button (upper-right)
  • Tap the Add bookmark icon Star icon (at the top )

            Chrome Menu

 

  • After the bookmark is created, select Edit at the bottom of the screen
  • Within the editing Menu, rename the bookmark- we suggest naming the bookmark ProxyGU
  • Select and Copy the following Javascript code. (Make sure you've selected all of it before copying!) ​javascript:void((function(){location.href='https://proxy.library.georgetown.edu/login?qurl='+encodeURIComponent(location.href);})());
  • Delete the URL text, then touch and hold to Paste the copied code.

         Menu Screen Edit Bookmark

  • You may then exit the edit screen. 

For more detailed information about editing Chrome Bookmarks see Google's Chrome Support page

Using ProxyGU on Android - don't "tap" the bookmark!

On Android platforms (using any browser), we recommend the following steps to use ProxyGU:

  1. "Install" ProxyGU by creating and editing a new bookmark (see above)
  2. Navigate to the page you want to proxy.
  3. Tap the URL bar and start typing "ProxyGU." (Do NOT tap the bookmark menu.) After a letter or two, your browser should offer the ProxyGU bookmark as a suggestion: Proxy GU on Android screenshot
  4. Select the ProxyGU suggestion. Your browser should reload the page using ProxyGU.

Other Platforms (Edge, Kindle, etc.)

We aren't able to provide detailed instructions for all platforms and browsers, but can suggest a basic procedure:

  1. Create a bookmark -- bookmarking this current page would be a good example.
  2. Edit the bookmark -- instead of the page URL, select and copy the following Javascript code. (Make sure you've selected all of it before copying!)​javascript:void((function(){location.href='https://proxy.library.georgetown.edu/login?qurl='+encodeURIComponent(location.href);})());
  3. (Optional) Edit the bookmark again -- replace the bookmark's title with "ProxyGU"
  4. Save the bookmark and make sure it displays in your Favorites, Bookmarks Bar, or some other prominent place where you can easily click/tap it.

If you need additional help, please contact the Electronic Resources & Serials Unit and we'll be happy to assist as much as we are able.

ProxyGU Caveats

  • You don't need the proxy for free (or open access) resources. If you try to access Wikipedia, Data.gov, or another open-to-all website, you'll probably get a "site not configured" error -- instead, just go directly to the site without using ProxyGU.
  • You need a current working NetID to use ProxyGU. If you are not a current Georgetown faculty, staff, or student, you won't be able to use ProxyGU. (Sorry, ProxyGU does not work for alumni.)
  • If you don't see proxy.library.georgetown.edu in the URL bar after using ProxyGU, try clicking the bookmarklet again to reconnect. 
  • ProxyGU only works for Library-subscribed resources. If you use ProxyGU and still encounter a paywall, it's possible we don't have a subscription to the resource. Contact the Electronic Resources & Serials Unit -- we can confirm if we have a subscription. 

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