What is EZproxy?

EZproxy allows Montana State University students, faculty, staff, and affiliates with current NetIDs to access subscription resources licensed by the library from off-campus. When you click on a link to a licensed resource that has been configured for EZproxy, you will be prompted to enter your NetID and password. 

Screen capture of the NetID login page, asking for your NetID and a password


What causes proxy server errors?

Sometimes the URLs of resources needed to be updated by the library in our proxy configuration file. If they have not been updated, you might encounter an error. Please report the error, and someone from the library will need to update the URL in order to resolve the error.

Additionally, while the library has access to thousands of resources, we don't subscribe to everything! If you try to proxy a resource that we don't have, it will result in an error page. Someone from the library will need to investigate if this is the case and suggest alternative ways for you to access the resource.


Proxy Error Page

If you encounter a page that says "... a resource that MSU Libraries needs to add their proxy database in order for it work correctly...", it means that the resource you're trying to access either needs to be added to our proxy (or updated) so that you can gain access, or it might mean that it is a resource we do not subscribe to. 

Screen capture of the proxy server error page

Please follow the link on the error page to submit the issue to the library for resolution, and someone from the library will email you directly with an update.


How do I proxy a resource?

To proxy a resource, there are two options:

  1. Add the proxy prefix (below) in front of the URL of the resource you're trying to access and select enter. This will cause the URL to be rewritten, and if we have access, you should be prompted to login (unless you're already logged in!). Or, you will see the error above. 
  2. Consider installing the proxy bookmarkleta button powered by JavaScript that is installed on your web browser bookmarks bar.

Instead of having to search directly through the Library’s website, if you locate an article through a Google search, you then click the bookmarklet button and it will add the proxy prefix to the URL of the resource which will prompt you to sign in. If the Library does have access, you will be able to download and access the resource. Please keep in mind, we will not have access to everything. By adding the proxy prefix to resources, you are simply verifying if the Library has an active subscription.