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Collections Guide

Policies, Procedures, Forms, Contacts, and more!

Request Forms

Use the following forms to communicate collections requests and issues. Forms allow CDCM to collect all the information needed quickly and maintain records.

For all other purchase inquiries and general collections related questions, email libacq@calstatela.edu

Common Access Issues

Login Errors: either with MyAccount in OneSearch, the library's EZProxy authentication page, or VPN.​​​​​​

EZProxy Configuration Page: the EZProxy configuration page appears instead of the desired resource. 

Adding EZProxy URL to permalinks: how to ensure users can access library resources via a shared permalink.

Login Errors

If users report being unable to login to their OneSearch MyAccount, the library's EZProxy authentication page, or the campus VPN, try the following:

EZProxy configuration page:

If you encounter the EZProxy configuration page (see example below), please follow the instructions listed under the Reporting Problems section to report the issue to CDCM.EZ Proxy Configuration Page

Adding EZProxy URL to permalinks

The EZProxy prefix URL is: https://mimas.calstatela.edu/login?url=

eBook Access Restrictions: users are denied access to read or download eBooks because of limited user access.

Additional eBook Help: instructions for reading offline, mobile access, and FAQs.

eBook Access Restrictions

If users are denied access to eBooks, they may be attempting to read an eBook that only allows a limited number of users at a time (1-user or 3-user copies).

 

Example of what this looks like in OneSearch: 

 

One user eBook access model example in OneSearch

Three user access eBook model example in OneSearch

 

Example of what this looks like in EBSCO: 

EBSCO one user access example

 

Example of what this looks like in ProQuest eBook Central: 

ProQuest eBook Central 3 user access example

 

Additional eBook Help:

General Linking Issues: links from OneSearch fail to connect to the resource.

Open Access Linking Issues: users encounter a paywall or broken link when trying to access OA content in OneSearch.

Article Level Linking vs Title Level Linking: when links take you to the general database or journal page, rather than directly to the article.

Linking Issues

If links from OneSearch records fail to connect to the resource (doesn't link directly to the article, page won't load, 404 error, and more..), try the following:

 

Open Access Linking Issues

Open Access OneSearch Icon

 

If users encounter a broken link, or are asked to pay, when trying to access content marked as Open Access in OneSearch, try the following:

 

Article Linking vs Title Linking

Some journals and databases do not support direct linking to the article. When that's the case there's typically a note in OneSearch indicating that users will need to perform the search again on the journal's site.

Free eJournals linking statement

Missing content in OneSearch: an article, book chapter, or other resource is not found in OneSearch results.

Paywall problems: users are denied access to content, or asked to pay, even though OneSearch indicates we should have it available. 

CSU+/ ILL request options don't appear: request buttons don't appear in OneSearch as expected.

Missing Content in OneSearch Results

If you're unable to find results in OneSearch for content that you would expect to be there, please contact libsupport@calstatela.edu to let us know and CDCM will investigate!

 

NOTE: Make sure to check the CSU Collections and Beyond Search as well! If there are still no results for what you want, you can also place a CSU+ request.

If you started your search in the Cal State LA Collections search, try the "Click here to expand your search" option to see more records.

OneSearch Expand Your Search

 

After selecting the "expand your search" option, more results appear. 

CSU Collection and Beyond Search in OneSearch

 

If you still don't find what you need, you can then place a CSU+ request by selecting "Still didn't find what you need? Send a request."

CSU+ Request

Paywalls - Denied Access!

If OneSearch says the item is "available online", but users are denied access (i.e they are asked to pay to read the article), there's not much that can be done on the spot when this happens.  

If you run in to this problem, please follow the instructions listed under the Reporting Problems section to report the issue to CDCM.

Example:

OneSearch Full Record Online Availability Example

CSU+/ ILL Request Options Don't Appear As Expected

By default, OneSearch hides CSU+ request options when it thinks CSULA has access to a resource, either in print or "available online".  However, sometimes you may still need to place a request for those materials (e.g. if the article is missing, the link is broken, etc.)

Example: 

 

If CSU+ request options do not appear as expected in OneSearch: 

Reporting Problems

OneSearch Report a Problem Link Example

 

If neither of the problem reporting methods listed above fit your needs, you can also email: 

Cal State LA University Library
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8300
323-343-3988