Go to Research Portal 

Requirements for Access

• Valid Library Card - How To Get One
• Library cards expire two years from date of issue. Contact your nearest branch to renew.
• System Requirements for using the Library Catalogs

Entering Your Information

1. Be sure to type 2020 before your library-card number, if not already printed on your card (Typed with NO spaces, e.g., 202012345678).
2. Be sure to enter your last name only, not your first and last names.

Clear your cache or temporary Internet files and try again.
This external website explains the process. Or, use the Help function of your browser for instructions specific to your set-up. Tip: Internet Explorer calls them Temporary Internet Files. Netscape uses the term "cache." Firefox calls this "Private Data."

Things to Check

Once you enter your library card number and name on our WebCheck page, are you being asked for a second password? Various security settings on your computer may be preventing access.

Firewall Software

If you have personal firewall software, temporarily disable it and try accessing the library database again. If you can proceed WITHOUT being asked for a second password, you need to change the settings in the firewall software. (See your firewall documentation for instructions)  This external site is a good source of information about firewalls.

1. This may include disabling the Browser privacy settings within your firewall also (See your firewall documentation for instructions to disable).
2. If you have personal firewall software or are behind a firewall, your settings MUST allow for cookies.
3. Ensure that referring URLs are allowed. Referring URLs allow the database vendor to recognize you as an Arlington County Public Library user.

Browser Settings

• Browser type must be Internet Explorer version 5 and above, Firefox version 2 or above, or Netscape version 6.2 and above (See more about Browser Settings below)
• Most of our databases are compatible with Mac OS X, with the Safari, NetScape 7.2, and  Internet Explorer version browsers. 
• If you cannot access a database on a Mac, use the Help! section below to contact us.

Many of our Databases are inaccessible when browser security settings are at their highest.

• To access security settings for Internet Explorer 6.x:
  1. Click on Tools
  2. Click on Internet Options on the pull down menu.
  3. Click on the Security tab.
  4. Click on the Custom Level button and change the setting to MEDIUM.
• Cookies MUST be enabled.
• If you are using Internet Explorer 6.x:
  1. Select tools option
  2. Select 'Internet Options'
  3. Click on Privacy tab
  4. Click on Advanced Button
  5. Select Override automatic cookie handling button
  6. Select the "Always allow session cookies" option

PDF Documents

Some of our licensed databases provide documents in the PDF format. In order to view documents in PDF format, you will need to have installed the free Adobe® Acrobat® ReaderTM plug-in. If your browser does not already have the Reader installed, you can download it from the Adobe site.

Help! Email Staff Support

I've tried everything and I still can't connect!

Please gether this information for us:

• What resource/database you are trying to access
• Your name and library-card number
• Exactly what the error message says
• What browser you are using (IE, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
• Which PC or Mac operating system you are using (XP, Vista, Mac OS X, etc.)

Click here to generate a summary of thls information, then copy these details in a message to Staff Support 

Also, please be aware many factors may temporarily affect your ability to access. Tell us if these apply:

• Have you recently changed your Internet service provider?
• Is your service provider is using a cache engine (also called an accelerator)
• Have you added a personal firewall on your PC? (Norton/Symantec, McAfee, Zone Alarm)
• Have you added Internet filtering software to your system? (CyberPatrol, NetNanny, AOL Internet Safeguards)
• Have you recently upgraded your PC in any other way? (Windows Update, etc.)