Valid Jefferson County library card
You will be asked for your name and library card number when using library databases, "My Library Account," or when requesting holds.

Browser recommendations
For best results we recommend the latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Firefox. Good results can be expected from Netscape Navigator 6+ (discontinued 3/1/08), Opera 7+ or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5+, and Firefox 1+. For Macintosh users we recommend the latest version of Safari or Firefox. You can download the latest browsers below.

Your browser must also accept cookies and be Java and JavaScript enabled. These are the default configurations in most browsers. If you have changed the settings, they must be reset to use our licensed databases. If you see JavaScript error messages, you may experience access problems.

Browser Tips:

• If you experience slowness you may need to clear your browser's cache or temporary files and history.
• If some links are not working in our databases, try turning off your popup blocker.

Internet Explorer Tips:

• Security settings should be Medium or lower. If you want to run your browser at a higher level of security, e.g., medium-high, you must add this site to your browser's list of "trusted sites.
• Content Advisor must be off.
• To change text size choose Tools/Internet Options/Accessibility, then check the "Ignore font sizes specified on Web Pages" box, choose "OK." You can then specify text size using the View/Text Size option.
• Security Alert: "The name on the security certificate is invalid or does not match the name of the site". The library purchased a server certificate server to provide encryption of user login information. Sometimes Internet Explorer erroneously displays the security certificate alert. If you receive this alert, it's okay to click the "Yes" button. You may click the "View Certificate button" to verify the owner as sable.jefferson.lib.co.us.
• Security Alert: "You are about to be redirected to a connection that is not secure". When logging on from home to a database the library uses the “https” protocol to encrypt confidential login information transmitted from your web browser. After a successful login, you are forwarded to the database requested. You may receive a security alert before your first site is loaded. If you receive this alert, it's okay to click the "Yes button". Internet Explorer is indicating that the “https” protocol will not be used while you use the database.
• Security Alert: "This page contains both secure and non-secure items. Do you want to display the non-secure items?" Sometimes Internet Explorer erroneously displays this message. It's okay to disable by going to Tools/Internet Options/Security/Custom Level and choosing "Enable" under "Display Mixed Content" option.

Recommended screen resolution: 1024 x 768 or 800 x 600

Get information about your computer, browser, Java and cookie settings.

Tips for receiving e-mail from the Library

PDF files
Our site and many of our resources include files in the "portable document file" (pdf) format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files. We recommend using the latest version. You can download the latest version below.

Special instructions for AOL/Compuserv users
Start up your AOL connection as usual, minimize, then start Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Using your computer's full-featured browser rather than your ISP-supplied browser often results in enhanced access to library resources. If you are having access problems with services other than AOL, e.g. Comcast, MSN, etc., give this a try.

Firewalls
Your workplace may use a "firewall" to control network and Internet access. This may prevent you from connecting to library resources. Contact your network administrator to find out if there is a corporate firewall preventing your access to library resources, and ask if access can be allowed. If you have installed a firewall on your home computer, you may experience similar problems. Try turning off your personal firewall to see if you can then access library resources. Check the product documentation to see if there are settings you can adjust to allow access.

Your Computer
Operating systems more than 4 years old are often not robust enough for today's online needs, and some systems are no longer supported. For best results using the library's web site and online resources, we recommend upgrading to your computer's latest operating system.

Downloads
If you don't have the required browser or reader, use the shortcuts below to download them for free.