OpenAthens @ Georgia Southern

OpenAthens FAQs

Why is the library changing authentication services?

OpenAthens offers increased security and control of library resources, reduces service interruptions, and allows campus researchers to access e-resources across library databases and publisher websites with just one login.

 

Will I need to log in when I am on campus?

For most resources, No. OpenAthens will recognize that you are on campus and automatically log you in. However, there are a few resources that may require a login. Also, switching browsers may require a login. While inconvenient, this is normal behavior and ensures your security and the security of the Libraries' resources.

 

My saved links or bookmarks to the Libraries' resources no longer work. What should I do?

The best solution is to create a new bookmark following these steps:

1. Start from the Library homepage (https://library.georgiasouthern.edu/).
2. Search for and locate the saved or bookmarked resource in the library collection.
3. Save a new link or bookmark using the permalink provided by the database or publisher website.
4. You can also use the OpenAthens Link Generator to create an OpenAthens link to the resource.
5. If saving a link or creating a bookmark to one of the Libraries' databases, click on the Share icon to the right of the database title () and use the friendly URL.

 

If I need help with my saved links or bookmarks, whom do I ask?

Contact the Libraries and we will help you:

• Zach S. Henderson Library: Contact the Research Services Desk at 912-478-5645.
• Lane Library: Contact the Reference Desk at 912-344-3026.

 

How can I access the Libraries' resources without coming through the library website first?

When visiting a publisher website that supports OpenAthens, you may see an OpenAthens login form similar to the image below. The form will ask you to identify your home institution. Ignore any Username or Password fields and search for Georgia Southern University via the institutional lookup field. From there, log in using your MyGS credentials. If the University Libraries subscribe to the resource you are trying to access, you should be given access to the resource. For more information about accessing particular library resources, see here.

 

 

Will the login link or screen look the same for all resources?

No, the login may differ by publisher website. Look for login links, usually in a menu at the top of the screen. The login may also ask you to select your Federation. For example, below is the login process for Wiley Online Library. For more information about accessing particular library resources, see here.

 

What is my Federation?

OpenAthens Federation.

 

I like to access resources through Google or Google Scholar. Can I use OpenAthens to log in?

Look for the login link on the resource page, usually in a menu at the top of the screen. To log in, ignore any Username or Password fields and search for Georgia Southern University via the institutional lookup field. From there, log in using your MyGS credentials. If the University Libraries subscribe to the resource you are trying to access, you should be given access to the resource. For more information about accessing particular library resources, see here.

 

What happens if I change devices or use a different browser? Will OpenAthens remember me?

OpenAthens uses cookies to remember your device’s IP address. If you change web services – from Firefox to Chrome or Internet Explorer – you will be asked to login again. Additionally, if you change devices, like from a laptop to a mobile phone, you will be asked to login again.

 

What happens if I clear my cookies daily, weekly, or monthly?

You will be asked to login again.

 

What happens if I never clear my cookies or change my browser? 

It depends on your browser, but generally OpenAthens' temporary browser cookie expires every eight hours. After eight hours, you will be prompted to log in again. Also, if you clear your browser cookies or close your browser session, the cookies are lost and you will need to log in again.

 

What if I have other questions about accessing the Libraries' resources?

If you need any additional help, Ask Us!