OpenAthens FAQ

What is OpenAthens?

OpenAthens is the authentication system used by the University Library for access to licenced online resources and services.

OpenAthens is a single-sign on service that allows students and employees to access licensed electronic resources (journal articles, ebooks, and databases) both on and off campus.

UNE previously used EZProxy to manage user logins.

With single sign-on (SSO), you can move from resource to resource faster.

You can access content you find from a web search and then sign in directly, or you can use Library Search, Google Scholar or the A-Z database list.

Whichever way you prefer, you will be able to access licenced online content seamlessly using your standard UNE credentials.

Session timeouts for some resources will be eliminated, and access stability will be enhanced. OpenAthens will automatically keep you authenticated for all eligible resources for 2 hours: there should be no need to log in multiple times.

What are the privacy implications?

OpenAthens collects your name and email address when you sign-in to the system. This information is not passed on to vendors. Instead, OpenAthens passes a system-generated numeric ID to resource providers.

What is personalisation?

Some of the Library's online resources allow users to personalise their experience once authenticated through OpenAthens.

These personalisation features vary, but when available they often include:

  • Saving search results.
  • Saving searches.
  • Annotating sources.
  • Recommended resources.

While these features can be particularly useful, you may need to modify your browser's settings. For example, many of these tools require you enable cookies.

How do I sign using OpenAthens?

If you go to a resource through a link in Library Search, the A-Z List or Google Scholar, you will usually be prompted to sign-in to your UNE account before you arrive.

However, if you go to a publisher's site direct, you will need to look for institutional login options using OpenAthens.

The login link could be named something like Institutional/Organisational Login, OpenAthens, Federation Login, Other Log in/Sign in.

The steps involved are:

  • Find the site’s Login link.
  • Look for an Institutional login option, and/or OpenAthens.
  • Search for University of New England AU as your institution.
  • Sign in using your UNE username and password.

OpenAthens and reference management software

If you have previously used EZproxy to find resources through your reference management software (EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley etc.), you will need to change your settings.

The Find Full Text feature in EndNote allows you to search for full text for your references.

Previously, the URL used for authentification was the EZproxy string.

Remove this string and search for full-text using the OpenURL option (this makes use of the OpenURL feature in Library Search: https://une.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/openurl?institution=61UNE_INST&vid=61UNE_INST:61UNE&).