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Off Campus Access

License agreements for most of the Library's electronic resources permit access from off campus only to current Brown University students, faculty and staff. Brown users must authenticate with a Brown username and password before gaining access to these licensed resources. You must activate your account to obtain a Brown username. If you have forgotten your username or password, call 863-7277 or the CIS Help Desk at 863-HELP (863-4357).

Please direct questions about Off-Campus Access to: eresources@brown.edu

There are three methods of off-campus access:

  1. WebVPN
    The new Brown University Clientless WebVPN service allows members of the Brown community to securely access campus-based web services such as Library e-resources without the need of a software-based VPN client. By opening a web browser and authenticating through http://webvpn.brown.edu, you will be directed through Brown's network, to give you the same access as a campus-based user.

  2. The Virtual Private Network (VPN) client makes your network traffic appear to originate from on campus. This is the most reliable method for remote authentication and is your best choice if you have a broadband Internet connection, via a cable modem or direct subscriber line (DSL). If you use the Lifespan or other VPN client you will not be able to use the Brown VPN; use WebVPN instead.
    Download VPN for Windows / Download VPN for MAC OS X

    For assistance with the VPN client, contact the CIS Help Desk: help@brown.edu or 863-HELP (863-4357).

  3. EZProxy
    EZProxy allows authorized users to access licensed resources without installing additional software. This is your best choice if you are using a computer where you cannot install software or if you are on telephone modem. With EZProxy, unlike the VPN client, each time you open a new browser session you will need to re-authenticate.

    For assistance with EZProxy, contact: eresources@brown.edu