FAQ: I'm having trouble accessing an EBSCO database?

There are a couple different errors you could see when accessing an EBSCO database (like Academic Search Ultimate) or the Multi-Search. Most of the errors can be resolved by clearing the cookies in your browser, like in the screenshot below, or if you receive a message that the header is too large.

Another error you may see is the result of having a broken link or a session link instead of a permanent link to the resource. If you grab the URL from the browser's address bar, it won't work in the feature. If you have the link, a librarian may be able to help you locate the resource.  The session links might contain something called the Accession Number (AN) which is a unique id for the article. For example:

Link with an Accession number (highlighted green) and a database code (highlighted blue)

https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=5&sid=bcde54eb-2446-4a71-b83c-da4a230374e2%40pdc-v-sessmgr02&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=117638092&db=asn

The session link also has a database code, which can also help find the article. A list of codes and which database they correspond with can be found on the EBSCOhost Database Short Names List This link opens in a new window. The message for this type of error will be similar to below, or it could take you to a sign in page for EBSCO.

If you are using an EBSCO database or trying to open a PDF from an EBSCO database and are unable to do so, please note that EBSCO's mobile platform does not currently work with smartphones (including iPhones and Androids).

If clearing your cookies does not work, check the status of the database you are trying to use to determine if the problem may be due to a known issue that we are working to correct, if the database may be down or disrupted for maintenance, if there is an outage, etc. or I Need Tech Help! form.

.