The library proxy and the campus VPN are two ways to access campus resources and files from off-campus. The proxy provides access to restricted campus databases from off-campus. The VPN is used by clinics to access their files from off-campus and can also be used to access restricted databases in the same way as the proxy, though we recommend using the proxy for ease/convenience.
VPN
Some Berkeley Law clinics and journals use the bSecure VPN to access their network files from off-campus. You can download the bSecure VPN client here and follow the campus' instructions for installing and configuring the bSecure client here. Depending on what you are trying to do with the VPN, you may need to switch to the Full-Tunnel Gateway to complete your task.
Please note that the campus bSecure VPN will not work when you are connected to the Berkeley-Visitor wireless network.
Access to many databases and electronic journals provided by the libraries at UC Berkeley, including the Law Library, is restricted to computers in the UC Berkeley campus network due to license agreements.
EZproxy
Most Berkeley Law Library and Berkeley Library website links should still allow you to proceed straight to the resource (even if you are not on campus) after logging in with your CalNet username and passphrase (or library PIN/ID number if you do not have CalNet) once per browsing session, with no further setup required. Information about how this works can be found here: http://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/ezproxy
Your browser must be configured to allow pop-up windows, accept third-party cookies, and enable javascript in order to use EZproxy. This service is available to all UC Berkeley students (with a CalNet username/password).
A Licensed Link Didn't Work!
EZproxy should already be configured from most UC Berkeley library and catalog webpages. However, if you are accessing licensed campus resources via a public search engine result, or from links on certain campus pages which have not been correctly configured for the EZproxy service, you may need to utilize a browser bookmarklet.
A bookmarklet is a link you add to your bookmark bar which you click on while you are already on a licensed resource page - it will authenticate you via EZproxy and return you to your current page. Browser bookmarklet instructions are available here, along with iOS instructions and Android instructions.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are using Google Chrome to conduct your research, the main library's instructions indicate that you may need to install an extension instead of setting up the bookmarklet. The extension you need to install is this one in particular ("EZProxy Redirect"). Once you have installed it, select UC Berkeley from the list of available libraries in the configuration, and then you will be all set - use the extension's button the same way you would use the bookmarklet.
If you use the bookmarklet on a licensed resource page, log into EZproxy, and find that the page still asks you for site-specific payment or login information afterward, try using your back button to go back to your previous page (search results page, LibGuide, etc.) and then clicking your target link to try again. You may have been redirected from your actual target page to a special registration page the first time, but the link should work after you have authenticated.
Email computing staff at studentcomputing@law.berkeley.edu.
Chat with computing staff HERE during remote support hours.
Walk-in support available at the law library front desk (labtechs).
The computer lab is open (to Berkeley Law students only) whenever the Law Library is open (but not during the Main Reading Room-only hours). Please consult our hours here or reach out to us through email or chat for technical assistance.
