Oregon School Library
Information System

Frequently Asked Questions

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	About the Citation Maker
	About Ebsco
	About using the OSLIS site

Please make sure you read all the FAQs below before you contact us. Thank you!

About the Citation Maker

Q: How can I access/where can I find the Citation Maker?

Here are the direct links to the OSLIS MLA and APA Citation Makers:
MLA Elementary Citation Maker: http://oslis.org/MLACitations/elementary/index.php
MLA Secondary Citation Maker: http://oslis.org/MLACitations/secondary/index.php
APA Secondary Citation Maker: http://oslis.org/APACitations/
Important note! The Quick Links located on the top of your OSLIS website page also offer direct links to the Citation Maker.


Q: I have difficulties getting the pop-up window to show my saved citations.

In order to create and save your citations, follow these steps:
- Enter you citation elements in the Citation Maker form
- Click on "Create Citation"
- Click "Save All" and follow the instructions on the message box
- If the new “Reference” window still doesn’t appear on the screen, try one of the following:
1. Select your citation and copy-paste it into your document.
OR
2. Enable the pop-ups on your Web browser only for the OSLIS site.
OR
3. Enable the pop-ups on your Google Toolbar only for the OSLIS site by clicking on the # Blocked  button.


Q: When I click “Save” in the Citation Maker I get an empty window/page that pops up. I cannot see my citations.

Please make sure you click “Create Citation”. Your citations will appear on the bottom of your screen.
Then click on “Save”. You will get 2 options to save your citations. Follow the instructions carefully.


Q: I have used the OSLIS Citation Maker a lot in the past. However, now it doesn't work.

You are probably trying to access the old citation maker, through a bookmark/favorite or a forwarded link. OSLIS has a new Citation Maker, which has been available since September, 2006.
Please access it at the links below:
MLA Elementary Citation Maker: http://oslis.org/MLACitations/elementary/index.php
MLA Secondary Citation Maker: http://oslis.org/MLACitations/secondary/index.php
APA Secondary Citation Maker: http://oslis.org/APACitations/


Q: May I have permission to include your links for MLA and APA citation makers on my website?

The OSLIS website and its resources are intended for the use of Oregon K-12 students and teachers primarily. Being a public website, with no authentication required, everybody can use the site and the resources provided, so you can make the links available on your website. The links to the EBSCO resources and Newsbank’s Oregonian are only for students in Oregon.
Please make sure you cite the OSLIS website as the source. Also, please read our brief statement on the Site Usage Policy page.


About EBSCO

Q: I frequently can't get past the database list and into an actual EBSCO database. I get an Internet Explorer error message.

Ebsco is a database service which provides subscribers with password-protected access to various databases. OSLIS only provides the links to the Ebsco login screen.
When you experience this problem, it is an Ebsco technical issue. Please contact the Ebsco technical support. You can find the information on the Contact Us page .


Q: We are having trouble with the EBSCO portion of the OSLIS website.

Ebsco is a database service which provides subscribers with password-protected access to various databases. OSLIS only provides the links to the Ebsco login screen.
Please refer to the Contact Us page for detailed information of Ebsco support.


Q: I need to obtain our username and password for the EBSCO Host Database.

Please contact Patty Sorensen (patty.sorensen@state.or.us) at the Oregon State Library directly with this request.
The EBSCO Host databases are only for Oregon students and staff.


Q: May I have permission to include your website link on our webpage?

A: For detailed information, please refer to the Site Usage Policy page.


About Using the OSLIS Site

Q: When I have more that a few students working on the OSLIS website, the site slows down.

There are various reasons why the OSLIS website could be slow (computer has many applications/web windows open; the network of computers is heavily used at the time, the Internet connection is slow, etc.) Please contact your local IT person/District Media Specialist (related to local network configuration and Internet connection speed).
If you get a message like Cannot access website or Page not found , please contact the oslis webmaster as soon as possible.


Q: Could you add/update my contact information for the OSLIS distribution list (OSLIST)?

A: Please contact Patty Sorensen (patty.sorensen@state.or.us) at the Oregon State Library directly with this request.


Q: Do I need a user name and password for accessing OSLIS?

The OSLIS website is intended for the use of Oregon K-12 students and teachers. Being a public website, with no authentication required, everybody can use the site and resources provided. A username and password is required for access to EBSCO and Newsbank’s Oregonian. Contract your school librarian for this information.
However, please make sure you cite the OSLIS website as the source of your resources. Also, please read our brief statement on the Site Usage Policy page.


Q: Please let me know how our school can join OSLIS and what the fee is.

There is no cost for Oregon students and schools' staff to use OSLIS and the subscription databases from EBSCO and Newsbank. New users should check out the information at: http://www.oslis.org/index.php?page=newUsers
The website is supported with funds from the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, State Administered Program, P.L. 104-208. and the Oregon Department of Education.


Q: How can I access the databases on the OSLIS website?

A: A username and password is required for access to EBSCO and Newsbank’s Oregonian. Contract your school librarian for this information.