We are very excited to announce that our library is in the process of implementing OpenAthens! The go-live date for AU & GWC resources is Monday, May 3rd, 2021.
OpenAthens is an identity and IP-based authentication system that provides access to the library's licensed online resources via single sign-on (SSO) technology by partnering with Okta. It is replacing our previous system, EZproxy. Once fully implemented, OpenAthens will offer a secure and reliable experience for users and should minimize off-campus access issues.
Upgrading to OpenAthens will not change to the number of resources the library subscribes to, so you will still have access to all the same resources as before the upgrade. However, you will now be able to use your Okta credentials to authenticate to the library's online resource platforms when off-campus.
On-campus IP authentication
The library will continue to provide IP authentication on-campus, so there will be no change to the way you access online resources when on-campus.
Off-campus OpenAthens authentication
For off-campus authentication to the databases and other library resources, you will now use your Okta credentials (username and password only once once to start an 8-hour long OpenAthens session. During that time, you should not be asked to authenticate again, regardless of the number of different resources you access.
When starting a research session, you may be prompted to sign into Okta, and then for the next 8 hours, you will have seamless access to all resources.
If you have saved permalinks or URLS to library resources, you will need to:
OpenAthens uses a different technology to manage access, which will change the syntaxes of the links currently in use. Prior to May 3rd, you can save Spartan Search permalinks (which will be unaffected by the update), as described here. For links to resources other than EBSCO or ProQuest databases, you can easily update your links using the OpenAthens Link Generator. After May 3rd, the permalinks found within library resources should be automatically formatted to provide access.
If you have any questions or encounter any problems, please contact the library!