EZproxy now using Two-Factor Authentication
EZproxy authentication via Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) has been implemented for anyone from the McGill community who has enrolled in 2FA or has had their McGill account automatically enabled for 2FA.
If you work in a hospital location and are individually affiliated with McGill University as a faculty or staff member, student, or medical resident, and you are authorized to access McGill Library e-resources from off campus, please use a different browser or a private/incognito browser window to access e-resources via EZproxy and 2FA.
1. What is EZproxy?
EZproxy is a web proxy server - a system used to facilitate off-campus access to the databases, e-journals and other electronic resources that the Libraries have subscribed to.
If you are off-campus and try to access an electronic resource through the Libraries website, the Sofia Discovery Tool, or through the "McGill Library Full Text" links in Google Scholar, you will be asked to log in your McGill username and password before you can access the resource.
2. What is the difference between EZproxy and VPN?
| EZproxy | VPN |
|---|---|
| EZproxy doesn’t require any computer or browser setup. There is no software to install or configure. When you are off-campus and try access a database, e-journal, or article from library pages and resources (such as Sofia Discovery Tool, e-journals search or Databases A-Z , subject guides, etc.) or the WorldCat Link Resolver through Google Scholar (see below), EZproxy will automatically activate and prompt you to log in with your McGill username and password. | In order to run, VPN must first be installed and configured on your computer, laptop or mobile device. You also need to actively connect to VPN whenever you want to use it. |
| EZproxy only works when you access resources via the Libraries website, catalogues or subscribed databases. Links from other sources (i.e. Google, PDFs, weblogs, etc) will not work. | VPN works no matter where you access links from (i.e. McGill web site, Google, PDFs, etc) |
| You will need to sign in again once your 2FA authentication expires (after 60 days if you select this option). Login again using 2FA to authenticate EZproxy. | VPN will remain connected until you disconnect whether or not you close your browser. |
| EZproxy is only used to access McGill online library resources only. | VPN will provide you with access to a whole range of other University activities and services, such as buying and downloading software from ELMS, and other McGill restricted sites and resources. |
3. Do I need to set up EZproxy on my computer?
No. EZproxy doesn’t require any computer or browser setup. It is triggered by extra information in the e-resource hyperlink.
4: How do I connect to EZproxy in the first place?
You don't have to do anything except click on the link to one of our online resources (online article, online book, etc.) from inside the library pages or library catalogue pages, and EZproxy kicks in automatically by showing you a popup box asking for your McGill username, then your McGill login and password. At this point you will be asked to authenticate using 2FA and will not be asked again for 60 days if you check the box "Don't request again for 60 days".
If you are enrolled in 2FA, you will need to sign in again once your 2FA authentication expires (after 60 days if you select this option). Login again using 2FA to authenticate EZproxy.
If you are not enrolled in 2FA and are using the traditional Shibboleth login (username and password), you only have to log in once as long as you keep your browser open and you access resources via the Library website, catalogues or subscribed databases. However, if you close your browser and open it again, you will have to log in again.
5. Does EZproxy work with Google Scholar?
In order to use EZproxy to access the Libraries' electronic resources through Google Scholar, you first have to configure it to use the WorldCat Link Resolver. For more information, see: Google Scholar.
6. Does EZproxy work with EndNote?
Some special features in EndNote require additional configuration. See our EndNote FAQ page for details.
7. Can I use the Library's electronic resources (like databases) when EZproxy is not available?
EZproxy is the principle means to access e-resources but VPN remains the alternative if EZProxy is unavailable for any reason. If you experience issues with EZproxy please contact us.
Questions?
If you have other questions about EZproxy, or if you are experiencing problems accessing the Library’s electronic resources please contact us.
