Off Campus Access: Access Issues

Issue: GW users who access Himmelfarb Library's online resources from other institutions or sites which use a single sign-on (e.g. Children's National, GW Medical Faculty Associates, etc.) aren't able to login to Himmelfarb Library resources.  The local institution's account information is automatically submitted to GW's single sign-on system rather than the user's GW UserID account information.

Option #1: Use one web browser for most work and reserve a second web browser for logging into Himmelfarb Library and other GW functions.  This option works well if you are working from a computer that you use regularly as you can remain logged in.

1. Open the web browser selected for Himmelfarb/GW, then clear the browser's history and cookies.
2. A prompt may appear at the top of the screen asking the user to login to a non-GW institution; log off/deactivate this function.
3. Access the Himmelfarb Library webpage and select the database, e-text, or e-journal which you would like to access; you will be prompted to login with your GW UserID and password and then the resource should display automatically.

Option #2: Open an 'incognito' browser window.  This option works well if you are working from a computer that is shared with other users.

1. Open an incognito browser window:
   • Chrome: click on three stacked dots in upper right corner of window, then select 'New Incognito window'
   • Edge: click on three horizontal dots in upper right corner of window, then select 'New InPrivate window'
   • Safari: from File menu, select 'New Private Window'
   • Internet Explorer: click on gear menu in upper right corner of window, then select Safety followed by InPrivate Browsing
   • Mozilla Firefox: click on three stacked horizontal lines in upper right corner of window, then select New Private Window
2. Access the Himmelfarb Library webpage and select the database, e-text, or e-journal which you would like to access; you will be prompted to login with your GW UserID and password and then the resource should display automatically.

Need assistance?

Himmelfarb Librarians are here to help. We can provide assistance with access, searching the databases, finding full-text articles, creating durable links, citing resources, and much more.

How to Contact Us

Text message: 202-601-3525.
Circulation Desk Phone: (202) 994-2962
Email a Reference Librarian
All Library and Service Desk Hours