Setting up for telework
Fairfax County has implemented a multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution to provide a more secure network environment, reducing the likelihood of a data breach via a compromised password. Microsoft Authenticator is required to access network resources from outside the county network.
Microsoft Authenticator can be downloaded/installed on a smartphone (recommended) and on computers. For new users of Microsoft Authenticator, there are two steps to the process. First, install Microsoft Authenticator, either to a smartphone or to a computer, then the second step is to Register your Microsoft Authenticator (registering can be completed on any device, no matter where you installed Microsoft Authenticator).
Instructions may be found here. A video of the steps is also available.
Telework options
FairfaxNet: https://fairfaxcounty.sharepoint.com/teams/library
If you only need to access your email and Microsoft applications, please use https://portal.office.com.
Office 365 access: You can log in to https://portal.office.com using your county email address, password and Authenticator from anywhere using a non-county issued device to access county Outlook email, MS Office suite apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint OneNote), Teams, FairfaxNET and documents saved in One Drive. You will need to click through the security messages to access the applications.
If you are accessing through your personal device, the recommended browsers are Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge Chromium. You can log in through Firefox, Safari and MS Edge, however you may have limited capabilities.
Mobile Devices: You can download the following Microsoft apps on your personal Androids or iPhone/iPads: Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Teams. You will need to log in with your county email, password and Authenticator.
FOCUS: If you do not have a county-issued laptop and need to access FOCUS, use the Virtual Desktop App from https://portal.office.com.
- Once signed in, click on the menu in the top left corner.
- Select Explore All Your Apps.
- From the Admin Selected tab, select Windows Virtual Desktop.
- Select Focus under Web Based Applications.
You can also log in via WVD at https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/index.html. Once logged in, select Focus, located under Web Based Applications
ZScaler: ZScaler is a virtual private network through which you can access internal county resources from outside the county network. It is a secure remote access solution for county issued laptop, tablet and mobile devices only (not desktops). To open Zscaler, click on the start menu and search for Zscaler.
Many thanks to Jennifer Tchida for providing links to these additional resources:
County resources
DIT Service Portal - Place a DIT ticket
Springshare - log in for access to LibCal, LibGuides and LibAnswers.
Quick Help - this is a repository of training videos on Microsoft products licensed by the county.
Portal.office.com - Use for Microsoft applications (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, Word, Excel)
Coronavirus Information for Employees
External resources
The following training and informational resources may be of interest.
Library of Virginia – Library Development and Networking – Calendar lists trainings/webinars
OverDrive Resource Center – Library Staff Training page
California Library Services – Mental Health Initiative Video Series (links to a YouTube playlist)
Infopeople – Upcoming trainings and archived webinars. Most, if not all, are free of charge.
Programming Librarian – Featured items include information about online/virtual programming
Smithsonian Open Access – to assist with programming ideas.
Novelist home page, with links to training
Webjunction – webinars, trainings, articles, etc.
Nebraska Library Commission – Archived webinars
Ohio Library Council - Reference Training
