Library

Connect from Off-Campus

Remote access to licensed materials is available to current UCR faculty, students, and staff.

Working from home or anywhere off campus? Many library databases, e-journals, and e-books are only available on a campus network (like campus Wi-Fi). To access them remotely, use one of the options below.

OpenAthens (preferred)

Start at UC Library Search and sign in to your library account. This will create an OpenAthens session on your device.

Alternatively, sign in at a publisher or resource page: Look for Sign in Through My Institution, Sign in via OpenAthens, or similar. Search for “Riverside,” then choose “University of California Riverside” from the OpenAthens screen, if prompted.

Note: The UCR Library is in the process of rolling out OpenAthens for all our resource providers. If a resource isn't accessible using OpenAthens, please try the UCR VPN below.

Users without an R'Card can log into OpenAthens directly via our OpenAthens Research Portal.

UCR VPN (Cisco Secure AnyConnect)

In 2025, UCR ITS launched a new campus VPN, Cisco Secure (AnyConnect), replacing the older GlobalProtect VPN. When connected, you can access library resources from off campus as if you were on campus.

How to install the UCR VPN (ITS instructions)

OpenAthens and VPN FAQs

Having Trouble Connecting?

Work through these steps in order:

  1. Sign in again. Start at UC Library Search, sign in to your library account, then go back to the resource. OpenAthens doesn't carry over between browsers or devices, so if you've switched (for example, from Chrome to Firefox, or from laptop to phone), you'll need to sign in again.
  2. Look for an "Institutional" or "OpenAthens" login on the resource's own site, search for "Riverside," and sign in with your UCR NetID.
  3. Try a private/incognito window, or clear your browser cookies, and sign in again.
  4. Try the UCR VPN. A few resources only work over the VPN, including CNKI and the Rafu Shimpo archive (East View). How to install the UCR VPN

Still stuck? Contact the right team

See also: OpenAthens and VPN FAQs

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