Why am I having trouble logging on to the databases?
I can't log on to HeritageQuest.
I have a TexShare card but I can't log onto the
databases.
How do I know if my library participates in
the databases program?
How do I know if a specific journal is in a database?
What do I do if the article I want isn't in full text
in TexShare?
How do I cite information I find using the databases?
Why should I use the TexShare databases instead of
Google?
Why am I having trouble logging on to the databases?
Here are some suggestions for resolving access problems:
-
Make sure you're using the correct portal or URL to access the databases.
Check with your local library to verify that you are using the correct
URL.
-
Clear
the cache (also known as temporary Internet files) and erase
any browser cookies.
-
Double-check that your browser is configured to accept cookies.
-
If your computer has a personal firewall, either disable
the firewall or adjust
its configuration so that you can access
the TexShare databases.
-
If you are using AOL and are
only having trouble accessing HeritageQuest, refer
to the next question.
-
Verify that you are using the correct login and/or password; be aware
that some logins and passwords are case-sensitive.
If these suggestions do not resolve your access problems, contact your local
library and have them verify:
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I can't log on to HeritageQuest.
Are you using AOL? There is a known issue with AOL users and the HeritageQuestOnline
service. Customer support representatives at the company responsible for HeritageQuest
are aware of the problem and are working with AOL to resolve it.
In the meantime, they recommend that you:
-
Open Internet Explorer after you are connected to AOL.
-
Use Internet Explorer to access the TexShare menu.
-
Then click the link to HeritageQuest.
If you are using a Mac, follow the directions above but use Safari instead
of Internet Explorer. *
If you are not using AOL, please follow the suggestions in the previous
question.
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I have a TexShare card but I can't log onto
the databases.
Despite the similar names, the TexShare card and the TexShare databases are
two separate programs providing very different services.
As you probably already know, the TexShare card grants you the privilege
of checking out books from any Texas library (public or academic) that participates
in the TexShare card program.
The TexShare databases, on the other hand, are online subscription databases
that are licensed for use in TexShare member libraries. Many libraries choose
to offer their patrons, students or faculty "remote access" use
of the databases (access from homes or offices), but this type of access is
administered by the individual libraries themselves -- not through the TexShare
program.
Please contact reference services at your library for information on accessing
the TexShare databases.
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How do I know if my library participates
in the databases program?
You can check your library's participation in TexShare using a list
available on the Texas State Library website. Once you locate your library
in the list, look at the last column which is labeled DATA-BASES. If the column
contains DB – Yes, your library
participates in the TexShare databases program.
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How do I know if a specific journal is in
a database?
In the following databases you can click on the Publications button in the
green bar at the top of the search page to view a list of journals and other
periodicals available:
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What do I do if the article I want isn't in full
text in TexShare?
If it isn't available in full text in the database, search your library's
catalog for the journal the article is in to see whether the library has it
available in hard copy.
If it isn't available in your local library, you can have your library request
a copy of the article for you through interlibrary loan.
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How do I cite information I find using the
databases?
The University of Texas Libraries provide information on how to cite online
sources in:
Why should I use the TexShare databases instead
of Google?
The TexShare databases provide access to authoritative, full-text articles
from subscription-only sources that you won't find on the web using Google.
The TexShare
Databases:
Authoritative and Commercial-Free
page from the Texas State Library discusses in
full why you should consider using the TexShare databases.
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* Thanks to Jay Velgos of TexShare
for this answer.
