Library
Technical Support and Access
The library staff is quite happy to provide personalized technical assistance or individual tutorials on the use of databases, just stop by or call the library at 262-646-6535, or send email to Dr. Sherwood. However, self-sufficient library users may find answers to many of their questions below.
Off-Campus Database Access
Faculty and currently enrolled seminarians may access databases from off-campus. On each use from off-campus, users will be challenged for a username and password. In the username box, type the number printed on the back of your Nashotah House ID or the temporary library card given to you at your library orientation. In the password box, type your last name.
If you are not granted admission to the databases after providing these login credentials, check to see that your browser is accepting cookies. Try again after adjusting your browser's security settings to permit the databases to set a cookie on your browser. Another issue to consider is whether traffic to the House's proxy server is being permitted by your personal firewall or any corporate firewall on the local network you are using. Personal firewalls permit users to adjust security settings themselves; however, if you are attempting to access the library's databases from a corporate or governmental network, you may need to consult with the Information Technology staff in charge of that network to obtain clearance for using the library's databases while on that network.
HouseCat Book Renewals
The library staff is frequently asked if it is possible to renew one's checked out books online. It is. Simply go to the "My Account" section of HouseCat, login using the number on the back of your id as your username, and your lastname as your password. Then, click on "My checkouts," and you will be presented with a list of the items you have checked out and their due dates. To renew, simply tick the boxes next to the items you would like to renew, and then click the "Renew" button at the top.
Contextual Help
Once logged-in, most library databases provide contextual help screens. Look in the upper right corner of the screen to locate the help link. Following that link should provide you with information about the screen you are currently viewing. Contextual help will provide the answers for many questions about how to use the databases effectively. In HouseCat, the contextual help may be located by looking at the menu options at the top of the screen, the last option on the right is "Help." EBSCOHost databases, such as ATLAS, New Testament Abstracts, and Old Testament Abstracts, do not provide contextual help, but clicking on the "Help" link in the upper right corner of the screen brings up an easily used and comprehensive help system which describes all the ordinary tasks involved in using the databases.
Online Tutorials
Some of the databases provide access to online tutorials. Sometimes, these may be located by following links directly from contextual help. Other examples may also be available from the database provider's website. Here are some examples:
Intro to EBSCOhost. Additional EBSCOhost tutorials are available at the EBSCOhost support site.
An especially helpful example is the Advanced Search--Guided Style tutorial.
Ebrary Quick Start. A tutorial which introduces the basics of using ebrary.
Tutorials for using ATLAS:
Searching for scripture citations in ATLAS using the Scriptures Tool.
Searching Scripture Citations Using the Scripture Citation Index.
Searching Subject Headings for Sacred Texts of World Religions.
Individualized Tutorials
For personalized assistance or an individualized tutorial on the use of databases, stop by or call the library at 262-646-6535, or send email to Dr. Sherwood.
