The library's contracts with commercial information systems providers stipulate that we restrict access to members of the USC community (currently enrolled students, faculty and staff). Most of these systems use your computer's TCP/IP number to validate your status. For best results, go to the links below, print out the instructions, read them, and then follow these instructions carefully.
Off-campus access portal (proxy)
To access library resources from off-campus, log in to the USC Libraries' Off-campus access portal. You may be required to log in using your @usc.edu e-mail or Oasis account password. You will be required to log in again if you are disconnected from the USC network.
Dial-in through the modem pool (PPP)
Information Technology Services provides instructions for dialup modems up to 56K using PPP (point-to-point protocol). There are local numbers throughout the Los Angeles area so that you do not need to make a long-distance call; numbers are available for the following area codes: 213, 310, 323, 562, 626, 661, 714, 818, 909, and 949. For the list of new numbers, go to ITS's page, Modem Pool Numbers.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) Software
Due to access by unauthorized users, we are disallowing VPN access to library electronic resources. If you are experiencing problems connecting to a licensed electronic resource, contact us for further information.
There are several reasons that you may be prompted for a password when you try to access an information resource:
- you are trying to access an information system that uses TCP/IP recognition while connecting from a non-USC machine (in this case, login using the options above),
- the maximum number of users are already connected to the information system (in this case, try again later), or
- the system requires a password or special software.
Note: Corporate firewalls and corporate TCP/IP numbers will prevent you from accessing many information resources from your office. At work, you may use any of the generally available resources such as those from government agencies, but you will need to access the TCP/IP restricted resources from a USC machine.
This page is adapted from the guide "Accessing Resources from Home" developed by USC's Marshall School of Business.