To use links to database articles in BlackBoard you must:

Save a persistent URL. This means they lead the user right to the article everytime. Most TCC databases contain persistent URLs.

Add a prefix that will cause the proxy server to determine if the user authorized to access the database.

Test your link! Some URLs can be very long. Be careful when you copy and save them and be sure the link directs your user correctly. Errors have included links to .css files (style sheets).

How do I modify my URL?

Type the prefix into your saved URL. The prefix consists of the following text: http://ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=  For example a link to the Gale "OneFile" with the prefix added would look like this: http://ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/login?url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/viva2_vccs?db=ITOF

Use the box below to automatically add the prefix and then save the new URL.

Where can I see an example? Nursing students reading list

Can I get more help? Printed instructions (.doc) or or email a TCC Librarian

Why do I need EZProxy?

By using EZProxy in your BlackBoard classes your students have access to QUALITY library resources and only have to log in once, through BlackBoard.

Licensed databases available to our users require that we control access and restrict it to persons affliated with the VCCS.  We accomplish this by using a proxy server for all off-campus access to these databases.

When you save (bookmark) a URL for use in a reading list or class assignment, that URL must also be modified so students off-campus can access the database.   This page was designed to help with that modification.