Many of the library's resources are available to anyone with Internet access. This includes access to the online catalog. Library card holders also have access to their library accounts, which will allow for online book renewal and borrowing privileges from OPAL/OhioLINK libraries.
Off-campus access to research databases is available to current Bluffton University students, faculty, and staff. If you are using an Internet service provider such as bright.net, America Online, Sprint DSL, Road Runner, wcoil, etc., or your employer, you are considered an "off-campus" user.
If a database is marked with the notation "Available for Off-campus Access," simply click on the database name to access the database. You will be asked to enter only your last name (first and last name will NOT work) and the barcode number from your Bluffton ID card.
If a database is marked with the notation, "Click here for Off Campus Access," you should click on those words to access the database.
- You will be asked to select your institution. Open the pull-down box and indicate "Bluffton University".
- Enter your name and barcode number as they appear on your Bluffton ID card.
- If OhioLINK recognizes you as a valid user, you will then see a message that your authentication was successful.
If you do not see this message, please Ask A Librarian for assistance. Be prepared to tell us:
- Your name and barcode number as they appear on your Bluffton ID card
- The internet browser program you are using (Netscape, Internet Explorer, Firefox)
- Who your internet service provider is (Some are: wcoil, bright.net, AOL, Road Runner, Sprint DSL, Comwavz)
- Which database(s) you are attempting to access.
- The information you see on the screen when you go to this website - http://www.ohiolink.edu/cgi-bin/whereami.pl
We'll do our best to help you!
If a database is not marked with off-campus access notation, it is only available to persons using a computer on the Bluffton campus or who are connecting to the Bluffton University computer network via modem. You will need to visit Musselman Library to use these resources.
SENDING OHIOLINK REQUESTS TO EDISON OR NORTHWEST STATE LOCATIONS
Students in Bluffton University programs at Edison Community College or Northwest State Community College may request materials through the OhioLINK Library Catalog for pickup at either the Edison or Northwest State campus libraries through OhioLINK's "Pickup Anywhere" service. Here are some basic steps for completing such requests:
PLACING A REQUEST
- Use the OhioLINK Library Catalog to locate books or other library materials. The OhioLINK Library Catalog is here: http://olc1.ohiolink.edu/ .
- Once you see the book you want on the screen, and you verify that there is at least one AVAILABLE copy, click on the "REQUEST THIS ITEM" link, usually in the top third of the page, in the center. Note: if there are no available copies but there are copies that are currently checked out, continue with this requesting process to put yourself "next in line" for these materials. When a "requested" checked out item is returned to its home library, it will be forwarded to the next person in line.
- The next screen will ask for the name of your institution. Select Bluffton University.
- The next screen will ask for the following four pieces of information:
- Name: Enter your name as it appears on your Bluffton ID card.
- Barcode: Enter the number on the back of your Bluffton ID card. It should start with 21195 and have 9 more digits.
- Pickup Institution: You will see Bluffton University here. You may change this to either "Edison CC" or "Northwest St CC" so that the book will be sent to your coursework site instead.
- Pickup Location: For example, when you choose Edison CC from the Pickup Institution menu, the only option in the Pickup Location box will be "Edison Library". Northwest State will also only have one Pickup Location. This is correct.
- Click on SUBMIT when you've filled in these four options.
- You should receive a confirmation screen that your request was successful. If you don't get that confirmation, use the Ask A Librarian link at the bottom of the screen to contact us for assistance.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY BOOKS ARE READY FOR PICKUP?
Because you are a Bluffton student, we are responsible for sending you a pickup notice once your book is ready for you to pick up - even if you have the book sent to Edison or Northwest State. You can call or visit the Edison/Northwest State library to see if your book/books have arrived, but you can also check your library account online to track the progress of your requests.
- Visit our website at http://www.bluffton.edu/library/and look for the Check your account link.
- You'll be asked to enter your name and barcode number to access your account.
- Once you're inside your account, you can see what books you have checked out, any outstanding requests, and fines or other information. You can renew your books through your online account as well.
- In the Requests area, look for "OHIOLINK RCVD" or "READY FOR PICKUP" or "ON HOLDSHELF" to appear - that's your signal that a book or books is ready for you to pick up.
Please note: Books or other materials that you request to be sent to and check out from Edison or Northwest State should be returned to that checkout point to make sure the items clear your account after they're returned.
Questions? Please contact us for further assistance.
