Having problems with getting into databases from home or office? Here are some tips to try before you contact us:

Problem: It won't recognize my library card number.

1. Do you have a valid, current Plymouth District Library card?
Only Plymouth/Plymouth Twp. residents are allowed access to these resources from outside the Library.

2. Did you enter your number without any spaces?
When entering your number, make sure your Num Lock key is on and that you don't leave any spaces between the numbers.

Problem: Once I click on the resource I want to use, I'm asked for a username or password.

1. Do you have a firewall installed on your computer system?
Firewalls may block access to the Library's commercial databases. If you have installed a firewall on your computer - either in the browser, the operating system or the security software, you must temporarily disable your firewall in order to use our electronic resources. Examples of personal firewalls include ZoneAlarm, Norton Personal Firewall, Norton Internet Security, BlackICE, and McAfee Firewall. (Be sure to enable it again when you are finished using the database.)

2. Does your computer restrict cookies?
In order for the databases to work properly, your web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) must be set to accept "cookies," which are temporary files that allow you to interact with secure web sites. For more information on cookies, see The Unofficial Cookie FAQ. In order to enable cookies, please follow these steps:

Internet Explorer 5: From the toolbar at the top of the browser page, select Tools, then Internet Options. Click on Security and then on Custom Level. Work your way down through the list and enable session cookies or all cookies.

Internet Explorer 6: From the toolbar at the top of the browser page, select Tools and then Internet Options. Click on Privacy tab. Move the slider bar down to "Medium" setting and click on Apply. Then click OK.

3. Have you cleaned out your cache (Netscape) or deleted your Temporary Internet Files (Internet Explorer)?
From the toolbar at the top of the browser page, select Tools and then Internet Options. You should be looking at the general options by default. In the middle of that window, you will see the section that says Temporary Internet Files. Click the Delete Files button. This will remove files that have been stored in a temporary directory so your browser will not access old versions of web pages that may be no longer accurate.

4. Are you accessing Library databases in the correct way?
All of our databases require special Internet addresses that let the commercial vendors know that you are a Plymouth resident and have a valid library card. These resources will not be available to you if you add them to your "favorites" or "bookmark" files on your web browser. You will always need to use the link provided on the website that appears after you enter your library card number. Be sure to go to the Library's home page (http://plymouthlibrary.org) and click on the red Database button. At the next screen, select either the option to do an individual database search from your home or office, or do a One Search using multiple databases. In each instance, you will be asked for your library card number at the next screen. This is the correct way to access our databases remotely.

If you have been able to access the databases in the past, but are unable to use a particular one now, the problem may not be yours, but could be with the database provider. Their server may be down temporarily for any number of reasons. Wait an hour and try it again. If you still cannot get into it, please notify the Library (734-453-0750, press 3). We will contact the vendor and try to resolve the problem.

updated 1/13/2004