Purdue Libraries Terminal Server

The Purdue Libraries, in cooperation with the Information Technology at Purdue (ITAP), has implemented a system to allow world-wide access of Library databases and other applications.

From anywhere in the world, using almost any type of computer, you can access databases hosted by the Purdue Libraries, as long as you have a valid Purdue ID. You can even save data to your local drives, or print out the results of your work. Currently, there are over 45 different database programs hosted on our server.

To take advantage of this service, a program called an ICA Client is installed on your remote computer. The Citrix ICA Client is available for Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Unix, and other operating systems. Instructions for installing the ICA Clients are available at the Citrix Download Center.


Instructions for Downloading the Citrix ICA Client for your PC

Access using your Web Browser

If you are unable to install the Citrix ICA client, or do not wish to, you can still access the Libraries WTS Databases within your web browser. Simply click on the link for the Java client.

When you attempt to access a database hosted by Purdue Libraries Terminal Server via the Java Client, it will ask you if you want to install it. The installation is automatic, and very straightforward. By default, most browsers will restrict what a Java applet can do. The applet used for this application is signed by Citrix Systems, Inc. and you must allow it certain privileges for it to function properly.

However, the Java client has limitations:

  • It will not allow you to save files to your local computer.
  • It will not print to your locally defined printer.
  • Currently MacIntosh computers do not support running the ICA Java Client. MacIntosh users will need to load the MacIntosh ICA in order to access the applications running under the WTS. Instructions for downloading the MacIntosh ICA client are available.

If you experience problems with using any databases on the Libraries Terminal Server, you can first view our Troubleshooting page, or you can contact our help desk.