Access e-Resources Instructions (EZproxy Help) / What is EZproxy?

EZproxy is a service which allows access to restricted electronic information purchased or licensed by Cook Library for current Western Theological Seminary students, faculty and staff.   A Western Theological Seminary EZproxy prefix is added to URLs to licensed electronic resources on the Libraries’ web services, which will prompt for a Western Theological Seminary G-Suite authentication when clicked.  A cookie is then set in the user’s browser which ensures continued access to ALL library licensed resources while their browser session is active; this session will time out after a period of non-use.  Technically, it determines your current affiliation with Western Theological Seminary and provides access to restricted information while you are off-campus. 

Functionally, the EZproxy server is a technical solution for a legal problem--the problem of how to provide desktop delivery, anywhere on the Internet, of restricted, licensed, electronic information. With the proper equipment, Internet connection, and training, electronic information can be much easier to search and retrieve than conventional print resources; many library patrons prefer electronic resources for these reasons. However, contrary to popular opinion, much scholarly, peer-reviewed electronic information is not free; it must be purchased from vendors who license access to their electronic information, and this access comes with restrictions.  EZproxy is our way of providing broader delivery of information to current Western Theological Seminary students and employees while protecting the rights of the licensor.