The Virtual Reference Collection (VRC) is now accessible from different Internet Service Providers (ISP).

How can I connect to the Virtual Reference Collection (VRC) from work or from an Internet Service Provider other than SuffolkWeb?

SuffolkWeb users have two options to connect to the Virtual Reference Collection from their office or from other providers, such as AOL or Optimum:

1. If your library's name is proceeded with a two letter code on the Suffolk County Public Libraries page, then you can use the Virtual Reference Collection link on your library's homepage or go directly to http://palsvrc.suffolk.lib.ny.us to access the VRC. For authentication purposes you will be requested to enter you library barcode and PIN.

OR (you can not use both methods)

2. If your library does not have a two letter code, or if your prefer to use your SuffolkWeb username and password, you need to follow the instructions below in order to be authenticated as a SuffolkWeb user:
   

What do you need?

1.   A SuffolkNet/Web Username and Password

2.   Internet Explorer, Version 4 or higher.
      Netscape Navigator, Version 4 or higher.

NOTES:

1. You will not be able to connect to the Virtual Reference Collection with this method if you are an MSN dial-in or Web-TV user. These providers do not allow this type of service on their networks.
2. Access from work- your company may use a firewall that will prevent access to the VRC. If you cannot connect, contact your company's Network Administrator.
3. If you dial into SuffolkWeb, you already authenticated as a SuffolkWeb user and do not have to follow these instructions to use the Virtual Reference Collection. Use the Virtual Reference Collection link on your library's homepage or go directly to http://vrc.suffolk.lib.ny.us .

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR:

1. Mac Users
2. Optimum Users

3.   Internet Service Providers (ISP):

If your ISP provides a custom browser or menuing system, after making your connection:
   A. Minimize the ISP's software
   B. Open the standard Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer that came with your computer.

4. Follow the instructions below to configure various Web browsers.

Netscape Navigator / Communicator

Netscape Navigator/Communicator, versions 4 and higher
1.   Click on EDIT from the menu bar.
2.   Click on PREFERENCES.
3.   Double-click on ADVANCED under the Category: box in the Preferences window.
4.   Click on PROXIES.
5.   Click "Automatic Proxy Configuration" so that it has a black dot.
6.   Enter http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac in the URL: box.
7.   Click OK in the Preferences window to return to Netscape.
8.   Close and restart Netscape.

Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer, version 5
1.    Click on TOOLS from the menu bar.
2.    Click on INTERNET OPTIONS.
3.    Inside the Internet Options window, click on the CONNECTIONS tab.
4.    If you are connected directly to a LAN (such as at work or with Optimum):
          Click on the LAN SETTINGS button.
          Click on the box next to “Use Automatic configuration script” so that it is checked.
          Enter http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac in the Address box.
          Click OK in the LAN Settings window.
5.    If you are using a dial-up Internet Service Provider:
          Highlight the ISP in the Dial-up Settings box
          Click on Settings
          Click on the box next to “Use Automatic configuration script” so that it is checked.
          Enter http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac in the Address box.
          Click OK in the Settings window
6.    Click OK in the Internet Options window to return to Internet Explorer.
7.    Close and restart Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer, version 4
1.   Click on VIEW from the menu bar.
2.   Click on INTERNET OPTIONS.
3.   Inside the Internet Options window, click on the CONNECTION tab.
4.   Click on the CONFIGURE button.
5.   Enter http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac in the URL: box.
6.   Click OK in the Automatic Configuration window.
7.   Click OK in the Internet Options window to return to Internet Explorer.
8.   Close and restart Internet Explorer.

Virtual Reference Collection – Connecting and Validation Procedure Click on the Virtual Reference Collection from your local public library's home page. When you select a VRC resource from the list of databases, you will be connected to the VRC Gateway computer. You will be prompted for your SuffolkWeb username and password.

Enter your SuffolkWeb username. Press TAB.

Enter your SuffolkWeb password.Click OK.

You will now be connected to the selected database.

Once validated for VRC access, you may use any of the VRC databases. Your validation is good until you close the browser.

You only have to enter your SuffolkWeb username/password once during an online session. You should not receive any other requests for your username/password after connecting to any of the databases. DO NOT ENTER YOUR SUFFOLKWEB USERNAME AND PASSWORD ON ANY SCREENS OTHER THAN THE VRC GATEWAY.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you get the message: "Expected mime type application/x-ns-proxy-autoconfig", you probably mistyped the URL for the VRC Gateway. Please check your entry. It should be http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac

If you go directly to the Web site of the resource and you are refused (without being asked for your SuffolkWeb user name and password), then you did not connect to the authentication software or the proxy server. Please check your configuration settings.

Netscape Navigator / Communicator

Netscape Navigator/Communicator, versions 4 and higher
1.   Click on EDIT from the menu bar.
2.   Click on PREFERENCES.
3.   Double-click on ADVANCED under the Category: box in the Preferences window.
4.   Click on PROXIES.
5.   Click "Automatic Proxy Configuration" so that it has a black dot.
6.   Enter http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac in the URL: box.
7.   Click OK in the Preferences window to return to Netscape.
8.   Close and restart Netscape.

NOTE: Netscape 6.x does not support the use of automatic configuration scripts and consequently will not be able to access VRC products while you are connected to other ISPs.

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer, version 5
1.    Click on TOOLS from the menu bar.
2.    Click on INTERNET OPTIONS.
3.    Inside the Internet Options window, click on the CONNECTIONS tab.
4.    Click on the LAN SETTINGS button.
5.    Click on the box next to “Use Automatic configuration script” so that it is checked.
6.    Enter http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac in the Address box.
7.    Click OK in the LAN Settings window.
8.    Click OK in the Internet Options window to return to Internet Explorer.
9.    Close and restart Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer, version 4
1.   Click on VIEW from the menu bar.
2.   Click on INTERNET OPTIONS.
3.   Inside the Internet Options window, click on the CONNECTION tab.
4.   Click on the CONFIGURE button.
5.   Enter http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac in the URL: box.
6.   Click OK in the Automatic Configuration window.
7.   Click OK in the Internet Options window to return to Internet Explorer.
8.   Close and restart Internet Explorer.

Virtual Reference Collection – Connecting and Validation Procedure

Enter your SuffolkWeb username. Press TAB.

Enter your SuffolkWeb password.Click OK.

You will now be connected to the selected database.

Once validated for VRC access, you may use any of the VRC databases. Your validation is good until you close the browser.

You only have to enter your SuffolkWeb username/password once during an online session. You should not receive any other requests for your username/password after connecting to any of the databases. DO NOT ENTER YOUR SUFFOLKWEB USERNAME AND PASSWORD ON ANY SCREENS OTHER THAN THE VRC GATEWAY.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you get the message: "Expected mime type application/x-ns-proxy-autoconfig", you probably mistyped the URL for the VRC Gateway. Please check your entry. It should be http://www.suffolk.lib.ny.us/vrc.pac

If you go directly to the Web site of the resource and you are refused (without being asked for your SuffolkWeb user name and password), then you did not connect to the authentication software or the proxy server. Please check your configuration settings.