If you are not prompted for a Bates username and password, these instructions explain how to connect to the proxy server, which identifies you as an authorized Bates user when you’re connecting via a non-Bates internet service provider. When configured properly, any Bates web page that requires proxy server access will ask for your network user name and password before loading. Included are configuration settings for Firefox and Internet Explorer.

A. FIREFOX:

1. Open Firefox
2. From the Tools menu, select Options
3. Select Advanced
4. Click on the Network tab
5. Click on Settings… button to the right
6. Click the Automatic Proxy Configuration URL: radio button (at bottom) then enter this URL:
   http://proxy.bates.edu:81/bates.pac
7. Click OK, then Reload the web page.

B. INTERNET EXPLORER:

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options
3. Select the Connections tab
4. Check Automatically detect settings
5. Check Use automatic configuration script
6. In the Address text box enter the URL:
   http://proxy.bates.edu:81/bates.pac
   
   !! IMPORTANT !! DO NOT CHECK “Use a Proxy Server…”
7. Click OK, then click
   • OK again to close the Internet Options window and save these settings
8. Reload or Restart Internet Explorer C. To disable the proxy server:
   1. Deselect the Use automatic configuration script button (Step 5 above)
   2. Reload or restart Internet Explorer

Uncheck all these settings when on campus for direct access.

If you are not prompted for a Bates username and password, these instructions explain how to connect to the proxy server, which identifies you as an authorized Bates user when you’re connecting via a non-Bates internet service provider. When configured properly, any Bates web page that requires proxy server access will ask for your network user name and password before loading. We recommend using Firefox for all proxy access.

A. FIREFOX: FOR MACINTOSH OS 10.4.x – 10.7.x

1. Under Firefox > Preferences
2. Click on Advanced > Network
3. Under Connection: Configure how Firefox connects to the Internet
4. Click Settings
5. Click to place a checkmark in Automatic proxy configuration URL
6. Type in: http://proxy.bates.edu:81/bates.pac
7. Click ok to exit the settings, and
8. Click Reload on the webpage.

To disable the proxy server:

1. Reselect Direct Connnection to the Internet
2. Click OK and restart Firefox.

G. LOGIN:

1. When you have installed these preferences correctly on your machine, and you attempt to open a protected site from off-campus, a dialog box will appear asking for authentication:
2. Enter your network user name and password

Who can use this system?

All current faculty, staff and students have access to the Library databases both on and off campus. A current username and password is required to access databases that Bates subscribes to. We cannot offer off-campus access to our Library databases to alumni or members of the community due to our licensing agreements. On campus access is available to the general public from any kiosk in the Library.

I get the following error when I click on a Library link. “We’re sorry. We have not yet configured our proxy to allow access to http://<website>.”

This usually means that we will need to add a particular website to our proxy database. Please click on the “proxy issue report form” located on that same page, fill it out and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How do I bookmark or send a link to a database article?

You can bookmark and send links to articles as you normally would. Bookmarks created off campus will work on campus. Bookmarks and links created on campus and then sent or clicked off campus may not work as anticipated. You may need to find the article or direct people to the resource manually.
Remember that only current faculty, staff and students have access to some of our Library resources. If the URL contains the address “lprx.bates.edu” a valid Bates username and password will be required to view the link.

What if I already have the proxy server setup in my web browser?

You can continue to use the traditional proxy server. If you would like to remove the former proxy server configuration, please see the instructions for your operating system and web browser.

Macintosh
Windows

Who do I call if it’s not working?

For help in configuring the proxy server, contact the Help Desk at 207-786-8222 or helpdesk@bates.edu during regular business hours.
For help in accessing or using particular resources, contact the Ladd Library Reference Desk at 207-786-6271 or reference@bates.edu.