Remote access to emedia via VPN and Shibboleth

BIB 10-010

What you need to know

As a member of the university − professors, staff and students − you can use your HFU account to access the HFU library's online resources, such as e-books, e-journals and databases, even when you are not on campus. There are two options available for external access, which can be used independently of each other. Both methods are described in detail in these instructions.

Scenario 1: Access via VPN. With the VPN client, you can access resources off campus as if you were on the university network, using your HFU account.
Scenario 2: Access via Shibboleth. Shibboleth enables location-independent access to licensed e-books and e-journals, also using your HFU account.

What you have to do

  1. You intend to access an electronic medium licensed by the HFU Libraries and wish to do so outside the HFU campus network, for example from home or another location.

  2. With almost all providers (publishers) you now have the choice between two scenarios (some providers do not offer Shibboleth).
    You can either use VPN (step 3) to access the university's address area, or use Shibboleth (steps 4-5) to log in via your HFU account independently of the software.

    • Your HFU account is the account with which you log into webmail or FELIX, for example.

    • Always pay attention to the URL information. Often you have the choice between VPN and Shibboleth, but sometimes only one or the other is possible.

  3. Option 1: Access via VPN

    You need a VPN client if you want to access internal services from outside the university network. After connecting, you will be a participant in a virtual private network (VPN) and will receive an IP address from the Furtwangen University address range. The Helpcard Internal link opens in the same window:eduVPN at HFU gives you detailed instructions on how to install it.

  4. In many company networks, the installation of a VPN client is not permitted for security reasons. In this case, we recommend using Shibboleth, or alternatively, researching from home.

  5. Option 2: Access via Shibboleth

    To use Shibboleth, select Furtwangen University from the list of participating institutions in the login menu of the e-book or e-journal platform.

  6. This is what a login mask might look like:

    • 4.1

  7. Now enter your authentification with your HFU account and you have access to the full-text version of the selected document.

    • After successfully logging in you have access to the e-media licensed on this platform by the HFU libraries.

    • 5.1

Problems or questions?