Authentication and access issues for electronic library resources at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

A variety of data collection methods were used to identify access and authentication issues faced by remote users of licensed electronic resources at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Five main components must be addressed by users for successful access from off-campus including: 1) a valid identification number with corresponding library borrower's record, 2) a working Internet connection, 3) a compatible Internet browser properly configured to the proxy server, 4) correctly configured firewall and/or filter software, and 5) properly working electronic resources. Recommendations are made related to support for distance learners in regard to library borrower's database issues, proxy server setup, and usability of online off-campus access instructions. These findings will be helpful to academic libraries that are providing off-campus access for all remote users as well as distance learning students