OpenAthens

OpenAthens, developed by OpenAthens (a part of Jisc), is a remote access and authentication solution that enables organizations to securely access their digital resources. This platform caters to organizations of all sizes, including small institutions and large enterprises, and is widely used by professionals in various industries such as librarians, publishers, healthcare professionals, academic researchers, and corporate researchers.

Key Features

Single sign-on: According to the vendor, OpenAthens provides a single sign-on solution that allows users to access multiple web resources and applications using a single set of login credentials. This feature aims to simplify the user experience and eliminate the need for multiple logins.

Access rights and permissions: OpenAthens offers flexible control for managing access rights to different user groups. Librarians can customize access to specific resources based on licensing requirements and organizational needs. Access rights can be managed based on attributes such as job role, department, or cost center.

Statistics and data: OpenAthens provides comprehensive usage statistics that offer insights into resource utilization and user behavior. Librarians can make data-driven decisions about resource allocation and assess the engagement of different parts of their organization with library services.

Account management: OpenAthens provides librarians with an intuitive admin dashboard for managing authentication and end-user accounts. Librarians can easily create, edit, and activate accounts, as well as assign users to specific permission sets to control their access to subscriptions.

Seamless off-site and on-site access: OpenAthens seamlessly integrates with IP authentication systems, enabling users to access digital resources whether they are within the organization or working remotely. This feature ensures uninterrupted access to resources regardless of the user's location.

Support for today and the future: OpenAthens is built on international standards and keeps pace with evolving technology. The fully hosted and supported service ensures that organizations stay up-to-date with the latest developments in remote access and authentication.

Easy integration: OpenAthens seamlessly integrates with existing library systems and directories, including popular platforms like Microsoft Azure, G Suite, OneLog, Shibboleth, CAS, and SirsiDynix. This feature simplifies the integration process and allows for a smooth user experience.

Reporting dashboard: OpenAthens offers a reporting dashboard that provides librarians with comprehensive insights into provider usage, authentication numbers, and active accounts. Librarians can access detailed reports to make informed decisions about resource allocation and budgeting.

Custom resources and applications: OpenAthens allows organizations to create a personalized single sign-on session that includes their own custom resources and applications. Librarians can curate resources and add content discovery widgets to enhance the research experience for users.