VPN, CISCO AnyConnect, Library Access Issues, Library Resources and the VPN

Access to the Library online resources can be done either by following off-campus proxy links on the Library pages (in Easy Search or the online catalog) or by using the VPN and the Tunnel-All option. This page provides an overview of these two options.

Note: If you choose the Library Homepage and EZ Proxy system, you should not use the VPN at the same time.

For help and troubleshooting access to the Library electronic resources, please contact the Library reference desk.

Library Homepage and EZ Proxy

You can search for materials through the Library Homepage in order to receive full access. Most library electronic resources are available through the homepage, and restricted-access materials will prompt you to lo in through the proxy system.

When using the Library Catalog, you do not need to log into the catalog itself to get access to the online resources, follow the links to get to the resources. Some groups that do have permission to use electronic resources may not have permissions to request physical items and so currently are not able to log into the catalog.

When viewing a record in the Catalog, the links to full text can be found by scrolling down the page to the "view Online" section of the page, below the citation information and the "Send To" sections.

Figure 1. View Online section containing links

See the Library's page Access Databases On and Off Campus for more information about the Library proxy server and its use.

VPN with TunnelAll profile

For many of the Library's online resources, having a University IP address is enough to permit access. Remote access requires that you be actively affiliated with the University as a student, faculty, or staff. 

Installation options for the VPN can be found here: VPN Installation Instructions

When you use the TunnelAll profile, all your network activity (including Library resources, Google, Facebook, and more) will pass through the VPN servers and receive an on-campus IP address.

To use the Tunnel All profile:

1. Start the VPN client.
2. In the "Ready to connect" box, enter vpn.illinois.edu and click "Connect".
3. In the field that says 1_SplitTunnel_Default, change your selection to 3_TunnelAll.
4. Log in as usual with your NetID (or guest ID) and AD password (or guest password).

See About VPN Profiles for more information about the different profile types.