OpenAthens allows users to access any several independent web resources through single sign-on (SSO) authentication.
Each OpenAthens session is good for up to eight hours. You generally will not be prompted to reenter your credentials more than once a day unless you clear your browser cookies.
There are several methods to access OpenAthens:
The MyAthens portal links to the OpenAthens LibGuide, where we maintain a list of compatible resources. It also includes information about remote access to non-OpenAthens resources (See the "Logins Required" box after logging in to the portal).
Links to OpenAthens-compatible resources in the Library's LibGuides or on our other discovery platforms include a redirect that will prompt you to log in before continuing on to the resource. If you've signed in recently, you'll be directed to the resource automatically.
The example below shows what happens user clicks on the link to Academic Video Online in the A-Z database list. If the user has already signed in to OpenAthens, they will automatically continue on to the resource; if not, they are prompted to log in to OpenAthens before continuing on.
Many resources offer an OpenAthens option alongside traditional sign-in options (look for "sign in via your institution" or "Institutional Login").This will allow you to select an institution from the directory and sign on using your credentials. Please note that while many resources are technically compatible with OpenAthens, you will only be able to access the ones that we actively subscribe to and have configured. For the current list click here.
Some examples of Institutional Logins:
