Help

The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and the statewide vendors, Gale Cengage, ProQuest and Encyclopaedia Britannica provide support for statewide licensed electronic resources  for MLS members’ library staff. A great way to stay up-to-date on these valuable resources is by setting up an RSS feed to MBLC's Statewide Electronic Resources Blog. In most cases, the vendor is the first line of support since they have dedicated support staff available, in some cases, 24/7. Patrons should call your local library for assistance. Below is a summary of when and how to contact the vendors or MLS for support.

Before you call, make sure that you are using the latest links on your web page.  If your library does not do its' own authentication (most libraries), you should be using the links  for your library located on MBLC's link generator pages. Once you have updated your links, always be sure to refresh your browser.

Q: What Information Should You Have Ready When You Call?

A:  The more information you can provide will usually result in a swifter resolution to your problem. Here is a list of useful information you should try to have available when you contact the vendor or MLS:

• Location ID. Find my location ID
• Name(s) and  URL(s) of the electronic resource(s) that are problematic
• Internet browser and version that you are using. Examples: Firefox version 13.0, or Internet Explorer version 8.0.7600.16385, or Chrome 19.0.1084.56
• Error messages, if you are receiving any
• Date and time the problem occurred.
• If you are being asked to input a library card number from within the library when you access the resource, please have the IP address(es) of the computer(s) that you are using when you receive a library card number prompt. This usually indicates a geolocation problem (see Contact MLS, no. 3).

 Q: Under What Circumstances Should You Contact The Vendor?

1. Libraries that manage their own authentication systems (mainly academic libraries) should contact the vendor directly when their IP addresses have changed.
2. You think there is a system problem with the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Gale, or ProQuest electronic resources.
3. You have a question about content or searching the statewide licensed products from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Gale, or ProQuest.
4. Usage reports:
   • You want to start receiving usage reports and have never have requested to receive them, or don't know if you've ever received them.
   • You want to change the email address for receiving usage reports.
   • You want to receive a special usage report for a particular span of time.
5. You want to change the "back to" or "return to library" link from the electronic resource (default links back to MBLC) to your library's web page (if vendor has this capability).
6. Your library name is incorrect on the electronic resource page (if vendor has this capability).

Vendor Contact Information

Gale Cengage

1. System Problems: You can check system status online at: http://www.support.gale.com/ or Contact Gale's Technical Support Desk at:
   1-800-877-4253 (Select Option 4). Fax: (248) 699-8049; Daily 24/7 or complete a Webform
2. Update IP addresses, email addresses, back to links, link to OPAC, custom holdings, etc. Contact Gale's Technical Support Desk at:
   1-800-877-4253 (Select Option 4). Fax: (248) 699-8049; Daily 24/7 or complete a  Webform
3. Searching/content questions: Contact Gale Electronic Search Assistance at:
   Phone:1-800-877-4253 (Select Option 4)  Webform

Proquest

1. All support: Contact Support Form
2. Technical support: authentication, linking, error messages, search assistance: 1-800-889-3358 Daily 8AM-3AM
3. Customer support: IP updates, preference settings: 1-800-521-0600 x72971 M-F 8AM-6PM
4. Support- online support materials
   

Encyclopaedia Britannica

1. General questions: Phone: 1-800-621-3900; Fax: (800) 344-9624; Email: contact@eb.com
2. Technical support: 1-800-621-3900, ext. 7160; Email: edsupport@eb.com
3. Britannica Customer Support form. Use this form for general feeedback, technical support, help with access, to report a problem or bug, or statistics help. Phone: (1-800-621-3900 ext. 6160),

Q: Under What Circumstances Should You Contact MLS for Help?

1. You  DON'T KNOW if your library was ever set-up to use the licensed resources them perhaps you replaced a librarian who was familiar with this process or the dog ate your paperwork.
2. You are having trouble connecting or logging on once you are set up. (First make sure you local Internet connection is not the problem.)
3. You are using a computer in a library that is not able to be geolocated and you are being prompted to enter a library card number from mass.gov/libraries portal

MLS Contacts