Remote Resources
Whether researchers are working remotely or when the University Libraries are closed, the University Libraries can still provide expert help and services in many ways.
Online Materials and Tools
Researchers can access University Libraries’ online databases and materials when off-campus using the EZproxy server with their WUSTL credentials.
EZproxy uses campus Single Sign On with Duo two-factor authentication (2FA). If you have issues with Duo, please contact WashU IT through the WashU IT Service Desk or by email at ithelp@wustl.edu.
You can check your Duo settings on the Enroll & Manage 2FA page by selecting the “manage enrollment” option. If you are having trouble signing in or accessing resources that you believe you should be able to reach, please contact the Libraries Help Desk.
We have thousands of digital materials available for you that can be accessed remotely by most user groups. Learn more about off-campus access.
* If you are having trouble accessing databases, open a proxied session first and then log into the VPN.
Get Online Help
Last-minute citation question? Want help with research? Need to reach us from off-campus? Ask us! You can email us or chat with a librarian from the convenience of your home. This service is staffed by subject librarians who are happy to help you with your research needs.
Chat with a Librarian!
Please use the chat option on the Ask Us page for research questions. For general inquiries, call the Olin Library Help Desk at (314) 935-5420 during regular business hours.
Librarian Consultations
Subject librarians with expertise in specific areas are available for remote consultations with faculty and students via phone, email, or online (e.g. Zoom).
Remote Resources for Courses
Available to Students
Students may access class reserves by logging into ARES.
Available to Faculty & Instructors
- All Ares eReserves requests need to be submitted through the Ares website.
- For adding course reserves to your online course, we recommend directly linking to Library resources. You can link directly to articles from WashU-subscribed databases from your Canvas site via the permalink for a source. For more information on how to do this or get a librarian’s assistance, please see our guide Integrating the Library into Canvas.
Librarians will continue to support courses through asynchronous instruction. We can work with faculty and students via email, on Canvas, and in meetings in Zoom. See our Library Instruction page for additional details.
For more information on copyright and online courses, see Rights Issues for Rapidly Shifting Courses Online.
Remote Resources through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) & MOBIUS
- Patrons can request physical materials through Interlibrary Loan and MOBIUS.
- We will supply PDFs from the University Libraries’ electronic and print collections. We will also obtain PDFs of articles and book chapters from other libraries.
- ILL is only available to current WashU students, faculty, and staff.
- Becker Medical Library and the Law Library operate separate ILL services.
Remote Resources in Special Collections
Curators in the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections are available to assist Washington University faculty, staff, and students with obtaining access to materials for research and instruction. We also encourage our users to use our extensive Digital Projects & Collections resources.
Data Services
Data Services staff can assist you directly at the Online Help Desk via Zoom or by appointment using the Data Services Appointment Request Form.
For more information, please consult the Data Services page or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Research Guide for additional details.
Research Studio
The Research Studio provides appointment-based access to specialized geographic information systems (GIS) software, data management, data visualization, qualitative data wrangling, and quantitative data wrangling. See our full list of software available and learn more about remote access.