What is OpenAthens?

OpenAthens is a type of federated SAML Single Sign-On (SSO). SSO allows end users to access subscribed products and services using their existing institutional credentials. SSO is widely considered to be a best practice for digital access, due to its exceptional security and the control it gives your institution over data sharing.

Why did we change authentication services?

OpenAthens replaces our previous authentication service, Ezproxy, as it offers a more secure, reliable and flexible service reducing frustrations with multiple logins.

How do I use OpenAthens?

Using any of the Library's discovery tools will automatically invoke OpenAthens - e.g. Readings, Library Guides and the A-Z of e-resources. But if you locate a resource using another discovery tool and you see a 'Sign in via institution' or 'Sign in via OpenAthens' option on a web site you will see a OpenAthens option appear if we have a subscription to something on the platform.

Will signing in to library resources be any different?

In most cases, no.

What happens to my bookshelf or personal accounts on publisher sites?

If you have set up personal accounts in library e-Resources, most of them won't need any action from you. However, the following ones will require you to do something to move your saved items over:

Proquest eBook Central

When you use eBook Central for the first time via OpenAthens, a new user account will be created. If you have previously created an eBook Central account and want to move over the items on your bookshelf to your new user account please let us know via this form and we will request your account be merged. We will need to know:

• Your previous eBook Central username
• Your new eBook Central username

EBSCOhost

• New and returning users signing in via OpenAthens authentication for the first time will have a new Personal Folder created on EBSCOhost.
• You are able to merge your previous account to your new account using these instructions from EBSCO once OpenAthens is live from February 18.

How do I change my links?

Links can be changed by copying your EZProxy link/bookmark into our custom link generator