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Authenticate to online resources (MIT only)

Note:

  • These paths will only work if the MIT Libraries have a subscription to the resource.
  • For more help connecting on mobile devices, see IST’s Mobile Device Support.
  • Still can’t get access? Ask us

Use one of the three paths below to authenticate

1. Use an MIT IP address

Most publishers allow you to access our online resources if you are coming from a device with an MIT IP address.

  • If you are on campus with an MIT IP address or on the “MIT Secure” network, you can go directly to most resources.
  • If you are on campus and on the “MIT Guest” network, you won’t be able to access most resources due to publisher restrictions – switch to the “MIT Secure” network.
  • If you are off-campus with a non-MIT IP address, you need to either simulate an MIT IP address or follow a path that authenticates you via MIT’s Touchstone – see details below.

2. Simulate an MIT IP address with IS&T’s VPN

Using IS&T’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) will provide your device with an MITnet IP address, which most publishers will recognize.
Note: If you have issues authenticating using the VPN, try restarting your browser or clearing your cache.

3. Authenticate via MIT’s Touchstone

Follow one of these methods to get recognized as an authorized MIT user.

Library search & discovery tools

  • Find materials using one of our library search tools, which will authenticate you via MIT’s Touchstone.
  • Use A-Z Databases to browse for databases and other online resources.

Google Scholar

Set your Google Scholar preferences so that custom MIT Libraries links show up in your search results – see Google Search Tips: Google Scholar for help.

Manually edit the URL of a web resource

If you are on a publisher’s site you can get authenticated via MIT’s Touchstone by redirecting the link through the libraries’ proxy server by adding “https://libproxy.mit.edu/login?url=” to the start of the URL:

URL of article/story:
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature04177

Edit the URL to look like this (be sure to keep the initial “https://”):
https://libproxy.mit.edu/login?url=https://www.nature.com/articles/nature04177

Use a browser bookmarklet

If you are on a publisher’s site you can get authenticated via MIT’s Touchstone by redirecting the link through the libraries’ proxy server via a browser “bookmarklet”:

    1. Drag the button below to your browser’s bookmarks toolbar or save it to your favorites:
      Reload via MIT Libs
    2. You’ll see a new button in your toolbar: “Reload via MIT Libs”
    3. Now, when you’re on a web page for a resource (like JSTOR), click this button to be authenticated via MIT’s Touchstone.