What is OpenAthens and how do I use it?
Answer
OpenAthens is an identity and access management service. Some institutions and libraries use OpenAthens to manage and authenticate users and connect those users to paid/subscribed resources.
USU LRC does not use OpenAthens. Instead, we use the USU Single Sign On (which is a CAS-based single sign on protocol) in conjunction with OCLC's EZproxy for institutional authorization and user authentication.
If you were instructed to access a resource via "OpenAthens", it may have been in relation to a different institution (not USU). Some U.S. DoD or other federal organizations may use OpenAthens. Please consult the relevant organization or chain of command.
- For example, please see our LibGuide page for military resources (link below, "Non-USU Military Medical Resources") for links to the Army and Navy virtual medical library services, which may use OpenAthens. These services are not administered by USU. For more information, contact the personnel listed at those links or consult your chain of command.