Introduction

The library of the 21st century encompasses more than the physical building. The library gives you access to valuable information, wherever you are. The VUBIS product V-link guides you through the information maze. Via V-link context-sensitive links are available in the VUBIS catalogue. For example when you are searching in the library catalogue, V-link searches relevant links in databases (e.g. full text). The end results are presented via a menu screen. V-link is based upon the OpenURL, a NISO standard.

You will find the V-link button not only in the VUBIS catalogues (VUB catalogue - Antilope - CCB - ADB), but also in non VUBIS databases (EBSCOhost Research Databases, PubMed, MathSciNet etc.).

The Vlink button activates the link generator: you will find this button in bibliographic descriptions. A mouse click on the Vlink button opens a menu screen with context-sensitive links. For instance a link to an Internet bookshop won't be offered for a journal article and full-text will only be offered for a journal if the VUB library has a subscription to the e-journal (Open Access journals of DOAJ included). More information...

Top of the page

System requirements

V-link uses cascading style sheets (CSS) and JavaScript in order to generate a menu screen. Please use Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 4 or higher), Mozilla (0.9 or higher), FireFox or Netscape Navigator (version 6.1 of higher). In older browsers the menu screen may display incorrectly.

Browsers have the possibility to refuse cookies. V-link uses cookies to enhance the usability. It is necessary that you enable the acceptance of V-link cookies in your browser.

Top of the page

Interface

The Vlink menu screen presents context-sensitive links grouped per type. A book description generates links, which are grouped in services like "Search in catalogues", "Internet Bookshop" and "Search on the Internet" ... For every link extra information is available on mouse over.

The "My V-link" button opens a window where you may change the language and profile settings of V-link. The "LookUp" button lets you review the V-link query and change the material type. Give us feedback. Remarks, problems and/or suggestions are welcomed.

Top of the page

Remote access

Several databases and e-journals are only accessible for authorized users. Authentication is done via IP address checking. If you are not working through VUBnet, you will not get access to these licensed resources. Therefore Vlink uses EZproxy to access IP address controlled databases and/or journals for VUB users. After identification (your VUBnet username and password) and authentication you will get access to the licensed information source. This is a free service offered by the University library in cooperation with the VUB/ULB Computing Centre.

More information about this external access.

Top of the page