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OpenAthens

This guide contains information about OpenAthens, the library's authentication system for online resources.

OpenAthens

OpenAthens is an identity and IP-based authentication system that provides access to the library's licensed online resources via single sign-on (SSO) technology. It is replacing our previous system, Web Authentication Management (WAM). OpenAthens offers a more secure and reliable experience for USF library patrons and should resolve the "proxy error" access issue many users have been experiencing.

Almost all resources have migrated to OpenAthens. To avoid broken links, please update your permalinks.

If you have questions about updating permalinks, please contact eresources-dept@usfca.edu.

Accessing Online Resources

USF students, staff, and faculty must use their myUSF credentials to access online resources regardless of whether they are on or off campus. Users will only need to authenticate to OpenAthens once per session. An OpenAthens session stays active for up to 8 hours, unless you clear your browser cache and cookies. The authentication process will differ based on whether resources are accessed via library websites or directly from a content provider website.

Accessing online resources via library websites

Users accessing online resources via any library website (Fusion searchIgnacio catalogDatabases A-Z list, etc.) will be prompted to Sign in through myUSF.

Accessing online resources directly from content provider websites

OpenAthens allows users to access the library's licensed online resources directly from content provider websites, so long as the content provider has this feature configured on their website. Every content provider is different, but users must follow these steps to sign in:

  • Find the "Sign in" or "Login" button on the content provider's website (typically, this is located at the top right corner of the page)
  • If available, select OpenAthens as the sign in method
  • In the Find your organisation search box, input University of San Francisco
  • Sign in through myUSF

openathens login

 

sign-in to myUSF

Guest access

OpenAthens guest access is only granted while inside the Library and is dependent on our alumni and visitor policy.

Guest Access to Resources On Campus

Instead of using myUSF credentials, guests must select Sign in with an OpenAthens account when prompted:

OA guest login

There is only one guest account, so all guests will use the same credentials. This account is specific to OpenAthens; guests will also need to be issued a separate account for library computer use.

This information (including the credentials) is all on a quarter-sheet flyer that is now available for distribution at the Library Help Desk. Please refer guests there should they desire on campus access.

Enabling Cookies

If you receive this Error Message:

Bad Request

Cookies not enabled ?

You will need to enable Cookies in your browser. Here are Instructions:

To turn on cookies in Chrome, you can type the following in the address bar: chrome://settings/cookies. If you want to limit the cookies that can be set, you can select "Block third-party cookies;" OpenAthens should still work with this setting.

In Firefox, cookie settings can be found by typing the following in the address bar: about:preferences#privacy

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