If you are experiencing difficulties connecting to the Library's databases, here are a few tips and suggestions:

• Try logging in again - An incorrect username or password is probably the most common mistake people have when connecting to the databases. Please use your network username and password, not your RAIL username and password. Your network username is the first letter of your first name followed by the first 6 letters of your last name- e.g., jsmith. Students will also have numbers (01, 02, etc.) at the end of their network username- e.g., jsmith01.
• Try logging into your Shepherd Email account - To make sure you are using the correct network username and password, try logging into your student or staff email account. If you can log in successfully you are using the correct network username and password.
• What is my network username and password? - To find your network username and password, log onto RAIL:
  • Enter your RAIL User ID and PIN
  • Click on "Personal Information"
  • Click on "Password Management"
  • Click on "Retrieve original password"
  • Accept the User Policy
  • Write down or remember your network username and password
  Also, you may want to try resetting your network password. To do this log onto RAIL:
  • Enter your RAIL User ID and PIN
  • Click on "Personal Information"
  • Click on "Password Management"
  • Click on "Change original password"
  • Enter what you would like the password to be
  • Reenter what you would like the password to be
  • Click on "Submit"
  • Wait 5 minutes
• Have you paid all you university fees? - Sometimes a network account can be disabled if you have not paid some university fees. This includes, but is not limited to, tuition, parking tickets and overdue library fines.
• Are you a current Shepherd University student or employee? - Only current Shepherd University students and employees can access the databases from off-campus.
• Are cookies enabled? - Cookies need to be enabled on your browser in order to access the databases.
• Is JavaScript enabled? - It is recommended that you enable JavaScript while logging in and using the databases.
• How are you trying to access the databases? - In order to use databases from off-campus, you need to be authenticated from our proxy server. We recommend starting at the Library website and selecting the database you want to connect to from the list of electronic resources.
• Where are you when you are trying to access the databases? - Depending on where you are and what network you are using, you may be behind a firewall. Some people may have firewalls installed on their computer or may be using a network protected by a firewall. Most K-12 schools sit behind a very tight firewall. Since our proxy server operates on a non-standard port, chances are that if you're at a K-12 school you will not be able to access the databases because the firewall is preventing access.

If you're still having problems accessing the subscription electronic resources, we recommend contacting the Library. Send an email to , or call (304) 876-5379. Be sure to include the following to assist us in troubleshooting:

• your name
• your network username - for example, student02.
• your Rambler ID number
• What the problem is
• date/time of problem
• location of where you're having the problem (home/work/school)
• email address where you can be reached
• phone number where you can be reached