OpenAthens Link Guide

OpenAthens Link Guide

Purpose: The purpose of this guide is to inform and provide guidance to MCU staff and faculty about the OpenAthens migration, and how to convert links from the old authentication system to the new one.

POC: Please contact Virtual Branch OAC Team with your questions.

What is OpenAthens (OA)?

OA is the “sentry at the gate” for Library database access. If you're visiting from offsite, it validates user credentials (username/password) and allows or denies access to our paid databases such as electronic resources such as articles, eBooks, and eJournals.

If you're on the MCU Campus, you can use Library databases without logging in. The same goes for CampusNet WFi, LibraryNet WiFi, and the .EDU VPN -- no login required. 

The excepting is ProQuest eBook Central, which always requires a login. This is a vendor requirement that cannot be changed by the Library.

What Does that Mean?

• We’re upgrading remote access our databases!
• OA will run at the same time as the current authentication system, EZProxy, until 31 August 2025.
  • During this time, EZProxy-compatible links will need to be converted to OA-compatible links.
  • During this time, Library’s Virtual Branch will create faculty and student user accounts.
  • During this time, Library’s Virtual Branch will be on standby to assist with link updates and to answer your questions.
• On 31 August 2025, our EZProxy contract ends.
• After 31 August 2025, EZproxy-enabled links will not longer work.

What Do Faculty & Staff Need to Do?

• Option 1 (preferred): Use this Sharepoint form: Open Athens Link Changes -- Submit your documents that require link
  updates to the Virtual Branch OAC Team. if they don't need fixing, we'll let you know.
• Option 2 (DIY): Convert links yourself -- Learn how at the Convert Links to OA page
• Option 3: Can't access Sharepoint right now? Email your documents to the Virtual Branch OAC Team

What Links Need Converting? 

• If you have to log in with your library account to get to it from offsite, it needs to be updated. This means links to articles in EBSCO, ProQuest, JSTOR, and other databases found on the A-Z Database List.
• Your personal browser bookmarks to any Library subscription content may also be updated

What If I Don't Want to Convert my Links?

• If you really don't want to, you don't have to -- BUT
• Be aware that after 31 August 2025, any links to Library resources that use the EZProxy protocol will stop working.