Forming URLs and Logon Automation

Web access to InfoTrac and GaleNet applications requires the use of specific URLs, depending on the type of authentication/authorization being performed, and on the individual products being used. Both applications support the use of host IP addresses for anonymous logon (but see below for differences in application behavior). Alternatives to IP address authorization are available, and are described here. Descriptions of product specific URLs and remote access protocols are also included below.

Authentication

If host IP address authorization has been enabled for a library's account, the following generic URLs can be used:

where locationID is the Location ID assigned to the library or institution. For example,

http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/mnpanyville

If host IP address authorization has not been enabled for a library's account, both InfoTrac and GaleNet provide alternative authorization methods:

Learn more about authentication at Gale's Authentication Page.

Site administrators may request password changes by contacting the web installation group.

Links to Individual Products

The URLs discussed so far point the user to a collections menu in the InfoTrac. It is also possible to specify individual products in the URL, using the forms listed below. In each case, the user is directed to the search dialog of the individual product. 

Remote Access

Remote patron access service (RPAS) is available to Minitex program subscribers. See the RPAS system requirements and protocol specification for complete information. System administrators who are prepared to implement RPAS, have questions or require additional information, should contact the Gale Group web installation team. If a library does not have the resources, or cannot meet the technical requirements to deploy RPAS, the library administrator may request a password which can be shared among the library's patrons (but see passwords note below).

RPAS is a method of allowing students and patrons access to the library's InfoTrac or GaleNet subscription from their home, office or other sites outside the library. While accessing these applications remotely, the user is greeted with an authentication dialog screen, prompting them for a library card number, password, or some other credential.

Password-only RPA

Libraries that do not have or use student/patron ID numbers can request a remote access password. Special passwords are available for InfoTrac remote access. To request a special remote access password, send email to the Gale program administrators, and be sure to include your current InfoTrac URL or location ID.

Note: In order to use the assigned InfoTrac URL for remote access, in-library or on-campus use must be IP authenticated; remote access and dialup cookie authentication methods are not compatible with the same URL. If the library is currently using dialup cookies, in lieu of IP authentication, for in-library host authentication, administrators must choose between deploying a second URL for remote users, or applying remote access authentication to the assigned URL, requiring users to submit barcodes or passwords both in the library and remotely.

If a library has already managed to secure links to licensed content behind its own remote patron authentication system, links to InfoTrac  can be created so that patrons are not confronted by additional dialogs at the InfoTrac servers. InfoTrac URLs require a special token credential, and must be requested by the library administrator. Once this token has been obtained, it can be incorporated into the InfoTrac URL to form a "preauthorized" link. For example:

infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/mnpanyville?id=0072xghi3z993

URLs that incorporate username and password pairs, a URL of this form must not be posted as a static HTML link on a library's web site; use only dynamic redirection to prevent the token from being exposed to the patron in the browser's address/location window (most OPAC authentication systems are designed to perform in this manner).