Technical Help

How do I access the online catalog?
What if I need Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Which browser should I use to access the online catalog?
How do I enable Java in my browser?
What if I am running Microsoft Windows XP?
What if I am running Mac OS ?
What if the catalog gives me the error message, "Invalid Phone Number?"
What if I get the message, "Error connecting to server?"
What if I can't see the whole screen in the online catalog?
Why do I keep returning to this page from the online catalog?
Why am I prompted for a user name and password when using the Reference USA database?
Do you need more help?

How do I access the online catalog?

To access our online web catalog , click here.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Some of the files on our site are .PDF files, and require that Adobe Acrobat Reader be installed on your home computer. This is simple to do. Visit the Adobe website to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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Which browser should I use?

Newer browsers sometimes have difficulty connecting to our online catalog. Later browsers may require some additional java settings. We know that the following browsers do work:

PC Browsers
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0, 3.02, 4.03, 5.X
(AOL customized versions of Internet Explorer may not work. You may need to download the Microsoft version of Internet Explorer.)
Netscape 3.01, 3.02, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.6

Mac Browsers
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5
Netscape 3.01, 4.04, 4.06 and 4.0

How do I enable Java in my browser?

Internet Explorer IE 4.0 to 5.0

Choose Tools then Internet Options
Click on the Advanced Tab
Scroll to the Java VM section
Make sure the Java JIT compiler for Virtual Machine is checked
Restart the browser if necessary
Internet Explorer IE 3.02 (Note: 3.0 will not work)

Chose View then Options
Click on Security
Click on Enable Java
Restart the browser

Netscape 3.0 and higher

Click on Edit then Preferences
Click on Advanced
Click on Enable Java
Click on Enable JavaScript

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What if I am running Microsoft Windows XP?

The online catalog needs a recent version of Java Virtual Machine. If you have Service Pack 1 installed, then the latest virtual machine is included. Otherwise, visit Sun Microsystems' website, and download a recent version of Java. This takes awhile, so go get a cup of java while you're waiting! http://java.sun.com/getjava/index.html

What if I am running Mac OS?

Users of Macintosh OS X should run Internet Explorer 5 in OS 9 mode. They may have to use the classic version of Mac OS (Version OS9 or earlier) plus the classic (older) version of the Internet Explorer browser. Also, Macintosh users may need to download java from the Apple website. Visit
http://www.info.apple.com/support/downloads.html and type "runtime
for java" in the search box. Select the most recent version of the
software, read the software documentation, and click on the software icon to start downloading.

OSX 10.2 Jaguar and Navigator 7.1 will work together well.

What if I get the message "Invalid Phone Number" when I am using my PIN in the online catalog?

This is a confusing message caused by a bug in the software. It actually means that a PIN has never been set for your account, so the catalog attempts to compare the PIN you entered to the last 4 digits of the phone number on your patron account. If the numbers do not match you will see this message. You may go to How to obtain your PIN to set up your PIN, or call 283-4152 and press 3 for further assistance.

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What if I get the message "Error connecting to server."

If you are trying to connect through a corporate or enterprise firewall, ask your network administrator to enable port 5050 to allow two-way TCP communication.

What if I can't see the entire screen?

Setting the screen resolution of your monitor to greater than 640x480 will eliminate the need to scroll to see the entire catalog screen. On PCs, a resolution of 800x600 works best.

What if I'm trying to use the online catalog, but I keep returning to this page?

When you are in the catalog, use the buttons in the catalog to navigate. Using the Back button of your browser will take you out of the catalog.

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Why am I prompted for a user name and password when attempting to access ReferenceUSA?

If you are using the Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 (XP) browser and are receiving a username/password prompt when attempting to access ReferenceUSA.com remotely, you may need to modify your default browser cookie handling configuration settings to resolve this issue.

Follow these steps:

1. Open a new Microsoft Internet Explorer browser session.
2. Click on the Tools drop-down menu and select Internet Options
3. When the Internet Options window appears click on the Privacy tab, then the Advanced button.
4. When the Advanced Privacy Settings window appears, place a check in the checkbox next to 'Override automatic cookie handling'.
5. Click OK on the Advanced Privacy Settings window and the Internet Options window to close.

Additional help and troubleshooting information are available on the ReferenceUSA web site. At the ReferenceUSA home page, click Help and then click the link "Which Internet browser is the best to use, and what setting will I need to access ReferenceUSA?".

Do you need more help?

Library staff will not be able to troubleshoot any problems associated with hardware or software installation and configuration, firewall configuration, or Internet access. Please contact your vendor, Internet service provider, or network administrator for further assistance.

If you need assistance using the web catalog, please contact the library by phone (515) 283-4152, or via email over this website.

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