The DISCUS Office coordinates a master account for the databases licensed to DISCUS by Gale. This account is identified as the DISCUS “Library ID” (or “Institution ID”). Within the DISCUS Library ID, there are many sub-accounts. Each sub-account is identified by a “location ID” and has a designated “owner.”

Each college and public library system is the owner of a unique location ID within the DISCUS account. The owner determines the choices for various options that apply to that location ID (ex: home/remote access arrangements, configuration options, delivery of usage reports). Note that usage data is captured and reported by unique location ID and not by IP address(es).

The DISCUS Office is the owner of several shared location IDs that provide remote access and special menu options for colleges and public libraries that need such support. Note that usage made to shared location IDs is aggregated into reports for the DISCUS Office; it is not possible to determine breakdowns of their usage by individual institution.

• For in-library/on-campus access to databases, use your unique location ID.
• For home/remote (off-campus) access to databases:
  • If you have your own method of remote access in place (ex: proxy server, secure referral page or other remote patron authentication system) AND you have made any necessary arrangements with Gale to link that access to your unique location ID, use your unique location ID.
  • If you do NOT have your own method of remote access in place, use the following shared location ID: discweb.
• A few colleges and public libraries are also the owners of one or more additional location IDs for their DISCUS-provided Gale databases. Establishment of multiple location IDs for your DISCUS-provided Gale databases is generally discouraged because it creates additional management issues for your library. However, those already in existence are considered “grandfathered” and may be retained and used by your institution.
• Special note on non-DISCUS Gale databases: If your institution has purchased additional Gale databases, these products cannot be included on your DISCUS-provided location ID or within the DISCUS library ID. Your non-DISCUS Gale databases must be set up in your library's own library ID and location ID not affiliated with DISCUS. Also, your DISCUS-provided databases should not be transferred or added to your non-DISCUS account. The format for linking to non-DISCUS Gale databases follows the general URL format identified in the database URL instructions, but with your non-DISCUS location ID substituted.