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National Hispanic Heritage Month: Tips on Using Databases

Accessing Electronic Databases from Off-Campus

When you attempt to access an electronic database from off-campus, you will not be able to access the database right away. Off-campus access to our electronic databases requires users to login using your Ramlink username and password. This is done on our Off-Campus Login-Page, as shown below:
 
Screenshot of the 'Off-campus Access Login' page. This page appears after trying to access a database off campus.
Once you have successfully entered your username and password, you will be taken to the electronic database desired.

If you are not able to access Electronic resources

Some basic tips if you are having trouble logging into library databases 

"Authentication Failed" Error Message

  •   Login with your RamLink username/password, not the email address.
  •   Check the spelling of the password; it is case sensitive.  Test by logging in to https://ramlink.txwes.edu

"Username and Password combination doesn't exist or has expired" Error Message

Common problems

  • Not Current Password--Password saved in browser not the current RamLink password - do not rely on browser saved passwords to fill out form
  • Recently changed password--When you change your password, you have to change your password on all devices that you have used that are connected to the network.  For example, you could have logged into the network on your phone, a Chromebook, or a laptop.  
  • Mistyping password
  • Using email address instead of RamLink username
  • Browser cache needs cleaning
  • Too many unsuccessful attempts.  Remote access will block a username after 5 unsuccessful attempts.  Please contact Library Admin libraryadmin@txwes.edu to unblock.

Things to try

  • TYPE in current RamLink password (do not use auto fill) 
  • Clear cache in browser
  • Use a different browser
  • Reboot computer to clear its memory
  • Reset RamLink password  https://txwes.edu/it/password-reset/
  • If you are still having connection problems call 817-531-4816 and leave a message we will get back to you soon.

Google Chrome

How to Clear the Cache

  1. Click on the three vertical  dots in the upper right corner of the browser.
  2. In the menu that displays, click on more tools.
  3. This displays a submenu. In this menu, find and click on Clear browsing data
     
  4. The Clear browsing data box that displays in the center of the screen in basic mode. Click on Advanced and the advanced mode will display, as is shown below

  5. Now select the time range that you wish to clear out of the cache.  The time range has the following options
    • Last Hour (as shown above)
    • Last 24 hours
    • Last 7 days
    • Last 4 weeks
    • All time
  6. You have the option of clearing the following out of the cache
    • Browsing History--Clears the websites that you have been to, including in the search box
    • Download History--Google keeps a record of all files that you have downloaded
    • Cookies and other site data--This is a text file that is stored on your computer that contains specific information about your browsing experience on that site
    • Cached images and files--This is a folder that contains images of all webpages that you visited. The browser does this so if you return to this site, it will load faster.
    • Passwords and other sign in data--All passwords that you have saved will be cleared out. This is the cache that you must clear out if you are having problems accessing West Library databases.
    • Autofill form data-- Anytime you fill out a form online, Chrome saves the data here, such as addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
    • Site Settings
    • Hosted App data
  7. You have the option to clear out the cache data from all of these areas, or just clear out the passwords. You select by clicking in the small box in front of each category.  Clicking once will either select or unselect it depending on what it was first.
  8. Once you have selected what you wish to delete, click on Clear Data

Microsoft Edge

 

How to Clear the Cache

  1. Click on the three horizontal  dots in the upper right corner of the browser.
  2. In the menu that appears, click on History
  3. In the history menu that displays, click on history at the top.
  4. On the history page of all websites accessed, click on  in the upper right corner.
  5. A new box displays in the center of the screen, as is shown below
  6. Now select the time range that you wish to clear out of the cache.  The time range has the following options
    • Last Hour (as shown above)
    • Last 24 hours
    • Last 7 days
    • Last 4 weeks
    • All time
  7. You have the option of clearing the following out of the cache
    • Browsing History--Clears the websites that you have been to, including in the search box
    • Download History--Google keeps a record of all files that you have downloaded
    • Cookies and other site data--This is a text file that is stored on your computer that contains specific information about your browsing experience on that site
    • Cached images and files--This is a folder that contains images of all webpages that you visited. The browser does this so if you return to this site, it will load faster.
    • Passwords -All passwords that you have saved will be cleared out. This is the cache that you must clear out if you are having problems accessing West Library databases.
    • Autofill form data (includes forms and cards)-- Anytime you fill out a form online, Chrome saves the data here, such as addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
    • Site Permissions
    • All Data from the previous version of Microsoft Edge--includes history, favorites, passwords, and more
    • Media Foundation data--includes licenses, certificates, keys and more.
  8. You have the option to clear out the cache data from all of these areas, or just clear out the passwords. You select by clicking in the small box in front of each category.  Clicking once will either select or unselect it   depending on what it was first.
  9. Click on 

 

Need Help?

Keywords

image of a computer screen with pictures on itYou Search in databases by using  keywords. These are the main words in your research question, but they can also be other terms that you have discovered by doing background research. They can also be synonyms of the main terms in your research question.