Texshare Databases: Authentication

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Texshare Databases Authentication

• 3 Ways for you to connect with the Texshare
  databases

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Inside the library

• I.P. Authentication
• Static IP address register your static IP
  address and eliminate the need for a login and
  password. Libraries can use this method to
  create their own menu page with links to the
  databases.
• Login/Password Authentication
• Some libraries cannot register an IP address. For
  these libraries a confidential login password
  will be provided. This login password should
  NOT be shared with patrons. It is not the same
  login password used for remote access.

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Library automation remote access

• What is a RPA?
• Remote Patron Authentication
• The librarys automation system authenticates
  patrons using a library card number
• Once identified as valid, patrons are then logged
  into a proxy server
• As they move through the databases, patrons are
  authenticated because the proxy server has a
  static IP address

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Why use an RPA?

• Optimal method
• Allows libraries to customize their own menu
  page linking directly to the databases
• Customization gives libraries the greatest
  control over the design of their homepages
• - Requires library technical staff to have a
  comfort level with networking

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Texas State Library remote access

• Provided by the Texshare staff at the State
  Library
• Template based pages - customized with each
  librarys name contact information
• Allows database access from inside the library OR
  outside the library from patrons homes or offices.

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Advantages

• A library specific, easy-to-remember web address
• Menu page branded with the librarys name
• Direct links to the librarys web page
  reference desk
• Allows usage statistics to be tracked-the current
  demonstration project does not provide this option

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It looks like this.
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Considerations

• Uses a template.
• No customization such as logos or photographs
• No separate pages for branches provided
• Your library must agree to be the primary contact
  for support if problems with remote access occurs
  at the patron level

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Sign me up!

• URL www.texshare.edu/remote/application.html
• Fill it out and fax or mail it in

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Contact information

• Russlene Waukechon
• Texshare Database Coordinator
• 512.463.7402
• 512.936.2306 (fax)
• rwaukchn_at_tsl.state.tx.us
• Jay Velgos
• Technical Operations Manager
• 512.475.2254
• databases_at_tsl.state.tx.us