Database FAQ and Troubleshooter

Please contact us if you don't see your problem listed here or if you need additional help.

WWD's Digital Daily may be sent to spam/junk folders. Please add [email protected] to your safe senders list by adding it as a contact. Click for Google's instructions.
Use an "incognito" or "private" browser to access Hoovers, MRI-Simmons, WGSN, and Bloomsbury Fashion Central resources (Berg Fashion Library, Fairchild Books Library, Fashion Photography Archive). Watch a video on how to use incognito or private browser mode.

FIT Library databases are available for academic and non-commercial use by current students, faculty, staff, and permitted guests. Re-distribution and sharing of content within these databases with third parties is prohibited and violates our licensing agreements. By using these databases you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

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What username and password do I use for databases?

To access our databases, use the same username and password that you use for MyFIT, Blackboard, FIT email, and for logging on to campus computers. If you changed your password from the default (birthday) password, use the new one.
When you're asked for a username and password on any FIT site (any website with a fitnyc.edu OR fitsuny.edu address) enter your user name (firstname_lastname); don't add @fitnyc.edu.

What if a database asks for another login?

Always access databases through the databases list, and click on the + sign before each database name to look for the most up-to-date special instructions.
These databases have special registration instructions; Click on the + sign next to each database name and follow instructions exactly:
Business of Fashion
Coloro Workspace
EDITED
Material ConneXion
New York Times Academic Pass
Sophicolor
WGSN
WWD Digital Daily
These databases require you to log in once with your FIT username and password, and take you to a page with additional instructions listed:
Intimate Apparel Journal
Home Furnishings Retailers
Database / Chain Store Guide
Kantar Media Ad$pender
Salesman's Guide
If you are given a password, registration code or other info you need to continue, make sure you enter it exactly as it appears for example, all upper or lower case.
Be careful if you copy and paste the information as you may accidentally pick up an extra space or character that will cause an error.

I'm getting one of these error messages: 400, 500 errors

Use "incognito or "private” browsing ; if that doesn’t work, contact us.

What browsers can I use? How do I use "incognito or "private” browsing?

Look for any compatibility notes or warnings posted on the databases pages by clicking on the plus sign (+) before each database.
Generally, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari will work, but others may not. If one doesn't work, try another. You may also need to update to a more recent version of a specific browser.
Always use an incognito browser to access MRI-Simmons, WGSN, and Bloomsbury Fashion Central resources: Berg Fashion Library, Fairchild Books Library, Fashion Photography Archive. You can also use it for any other database, unless we indicate otherwise. Click to watch a video on how to use an Incognito browser.

I’m having trouble with WGSN

I get the message: “log in while you’re on campus or within your school’s network”
Note: you don’t actually have to be on campus; please login with your password remotely. and that counts as "within your school's network."
Users accounts that are suspended after too many incorrect login attempts are automatically reactivated after two hours. You can reset your password using this link.
For all other error messages (”account was deactivated,” “locked out after too many incorrect login attempts” and still unable to login after two hours) contact us.

I can’t read an article I found on ScienceDirect even though it says “available online” or “full text available”

We don't have access to all the articles from Science Direct. It is a known bug that it sometimes shows that we have something that you can't actually get to.
Contact us for other ways to find what you need.

Can I use databases with my FIT login from a publisher’s website (e.g ProQuest, EBSCO, WWD)?

Please access all databases from our library website. We do not currently have any arrangements where you can log in from a publisher's own site. If you come across a database or article while you are searching Google or as a link from somewhere else, come back to our website to see if we subscribe to it.

Will I have access to databases during summer or winter break?

Database access and library borrowing privileges remain active if you are registered for classes for the current and/or upcoming semester.
For example, if you are registered for the fall semester by the end of the spring semester, you will have access to databases throughout the summer.

I’m an FIT alum. Can I use the databases?

Unfortunately, alumni do not have remote access to any of our databases. Our contracts with the companies require that only current students and employees can use our subscription databases.
Check Online Resources for Non-FIT Students for alternatives.

I'm a certificate student. Can I use databases? Can I borrow books?

Declared certificate students who sign an affidavit and receive a plastic FIT ID have access to all databases and have full borrowing privileges.
Undeclared certificate students receive a paper ID and do not have access to databases and cannot borrow materials.

I'm a Precollege student. Can I use databases?

Precollege students have access to databases.

I'm still stuck, what can I do?

If one database doesn't work, try a different one. If you're only having trouble with one, it's probably an issue on that site only. Wait a few minutes and try again.
If several don't work, there may be a temporary network problem. Wait a few minutes and try again, but contact us if these issues persist.