Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Aeon

• What is a SCRA?
• Why do I need a username and password to use a SCRA?
• What if I forget my password?
• How to Place New Requests
• What Web browser should I use?
• Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?
• Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about the Special Collections Research Account?
• Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

What is SCRA?

A Special Collections Research Account is the electronic system you use to request an item through NYU Special Collections as well as track the history of requests you've received previously. This system is powered by Aeon software.

Why do I need a username and password to use SCRA?

Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information such as your address or phone number.

Your username can be anything you like, such as your name, abbreviations, or an alphanumeric code. Your password also can be anything you like. We recommend that you follow good security practice and choose a password that is different from those you use to access other systems. However, no one but you will know your password, not even the special collections staff. The password you set is stored encrypted.

What if I forget my password?

In the event that you forget your password, please contact Special Collections at scra@nyu.edu. We can then reset your password allowing you access to your SCRA. Please change your password once you login.

How to Place New Requests

For more information on making an appointment and requesting materials to use at NYU Special Collections, please visit our How to Place New Requests page.

What Web browser should I use?

You need a Web browser that can handle forms, tables, and preferrably cascading style sheets (CSS). We recommend the current versions of either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?

Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your requests, you can take the following steps:

• Access your SCRA only from your personal computer or an otherwise secure workstation.
• Access your SCRA from a public workstation in the Special Collections reading room. These computers are supervised by the staff.
• When using a public access workstation:
  1. Delete from the history file those pages that contain your personal information.
  2. Exit from the Web browser before you leave the workstation. This prevents the Back button from accessing the pages you were using.

Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about the Special Collections Research Account.

For reference questions please email special.collections@nyu.edu.

Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use your SCRA without any problems.

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