Q. What is EZproxy?

How does EZproxy work?

A proxy string goes at the beginning of URLs.

https://www.jstor.org
       becomes
https://libproxy.umflint.edu/login?url=https://www.jstor.org

When you follow the link from off campus, once you log in, it routes you through the proxy server on campus, and therefore through U-M Flint's IP address.

Why do we need EZproxy in the first place?

Most of our online resources are licensed subscriptions or licensed purchases, and the providers require that they be used only on campus, or off campus only by our own students, staff, and faculty. By going through EZproxy (and U-M Flint's IP address), you're treated as though you are on campus. EZproxy and similar products are used by libraries worldwide.

Do all the Thompson Library's online resources use EZproxy?

No. A few go through Ann Arbor's login. Others are open access and can be used by anyone anywhere without proxying.

Google Scholar is open access, so why is the link to it proxied?

We have an account with Google Scholar so that if you go to it through our EZproxy, you'll see links to resources we subscribe to. This way, if there's not a free version of an article or document on the web, you can still get to it easily if the Thompson Library has access to it.

Can anyone use EZproxy?

Only current U-M Flint students, faculty, and staff can use proxied resources from off campus. (Guests on campus can use most of these resources.) People who aren't affiliated with U-M Flint should check with their local library, or visit our guide to open access resources.