Research FAQ

How can I access a database from off-campus? Nearly all of the library's databases are available from off-campus to Hope College students, faculty, and staff. To access them, start at the library home page. Click on Databases for Research. Click on Off-Campus Database Access (near the bottom of the web page) and choose the database you'd like. Or select a database from one of the academic department lists. A light blue screen will appear. As instructed, enter your library barcode (the number on the back of your Hope ID) and PIN (pre-set to the last four digits of your student or employee number, printed on the front of your Hope ID). The proxy server will permit access to the selected database.

Video Tutorial for Off-Campus Database Access

Where can I get my library login and PIN? Your library barcode is on the back of your Hope College ID card. It begins with the numbers 1000300 and continues with an additional six digits. Your PIN is preset as the last four digits of your student or employee number, printed on the front your Hope ID.

How can I access a netLibrary electronic book from off-campus? The first time you use a netLibrary book off-campus, you must create a netLibrary account. Start at the library home page. Click on Databases for research. Click on Off-Campus Database Access (near the bottom of the web page). Choose netLibrary from the list. A light blue screen will appear. As instructed, enter your library barcode (the number on the back of your Hope ID) and PIN (pre-set to the last four digits of your student or employee number, printed on the front of your Hope ID). The proxy server will permit access to netLibrary. Note the Create a Free Account link near the upper right corner of the screen. Complete the form and click Create Account.

Search HopeCAT for the netLibrary title of interest and open it using the provided link. After the book opens in the netLibrary interface, login using the link in the upper left corner of the screen by entering your netLibrary user name and password. You will be taken back to the netLibrary book you selected. Click View this eBook to begin using it.