Q. SciFinder remote access

SciFinder requires a convoluted registration/access process that will frustrate even the most patient end user. That being said, the procedure below will work so that you can create your SciFinder account and then with both your HarvardKEY and the new SciFinder login/password you create, your access into this database will be much more direct on a return visit.

You MUST be an active Harvard student, faculty or staff member with a HarvardKey. 

To register for a new account as a Harvard user, you MUST first use the registration link below.

Register Here

A confirmation email will be sent to the Harvard email address you used during that registration - YOU MUST respond to that confirmation email so to validate your new SciFinder account! 

IMPORTANT: After responding to the email confirmation/validation, do not login to SciFinder immediately! Close your browser and walk away...just walk away... count to 10.

Memorize your unique SciFinder Username and Password !! 

Ok... next step...

To access SciFinder as a registered Harvard user, you must always use this very special Harvard URL link into SciFinder (provided below).  [DO NOT use a Google search result !!] 

http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:hul.eresource:scifindern

Most of the time - You will be prompted for 2 login challenges during the next couple of screens.

HarvardKey Login/Password..... And Then your SciFinder username/password!

Even when all of these steps are followed properly - You will sometimes encounter a "blank screen" or any number of browser error messages that prevent the SciFinder database to load.

We have found that clearing the web browser's cache/cookies will resolve those problem (Also try another web browser.) 

If you are an ACS Member, please reach out to your SciFinder UX team and complain about this.

[Instructions valid as of Fall 2024.]