In the meantime, we have all double checked our proxy and other server files to ensure we are allowing outside access. Briefly discussed the availability of holdings for any given library and the various versions of Z39.50. The notion that ILL departments would more or less be bypassed was raised. Some libraries seem to prefer it, while others are more or less neutral. OCLC is now using IP addresses to restrict access to FirstSearch.
Allentown reports persistant access difficulty, though.
That is, even if the user is valid as far as we are concerned, but they are using a commercial slip or ppp account from home to connect to the campus, then the 3rd party sees them as invalid. It is an obvious idea, but hardly feasible even for the larger institutions. Peter indicated that Lehigh is looking for solutions to this dilemma. That is, if our Z39.50 connections provide that much detail at this stage of the game.