OpenAthens
Single sign-on made simple for the library community. Easily access the knowledge you want, when you want it, wherever you are.
As libraries, technology and information evolve, there is one constant: people want information that supports their learning, development and decision making.
OpenAthens ensures access and authentication are managed simply, securely and effectively while providing insight and data that supports the changing information needs of the organisation.
Benefits
- One username and password: OpenAthens establishes one set of log-in credentials for all library web resources and applications. Subscribers can sign-in and access the information they are looking for without unnecessary barriers or complications
- Seamless off-site and on-site access: OpenAthens integrates with institutions who still rely on IP authentication. Single links are created that allow end-users to access the information needed whether they are located within their organisation or working off-site.
- Easy integration with IT and ‘enterprise' single sign-on: If your organisation already maintains single sign-on across a range of internal and web-based applications, OpenAthens creates the bridge that extends this single sign-on experience to the full range of journals, websites and research applications your library subscribes to. Security permissions can be managed centrally and the need for constant updates are removed. OpenAthens works with Microsoft Azure, ADFS, LDAP, Ping Federate and other SAML-based systems.
- Access rights and permissions: OpenAthens provides flexible control for managing access rights to groups of users. Using new or existing attributes and categories, a librarian can control access to specific resources based on licensing requirements as well as the structure and strategic focus of their organisation.
- Statistics and data: Comprehensive usage statistics show how often content is accessed and by whom giving the team who manage the information insight into the value of the subscriptions and detail into which parts of their organisation engage most regularly with their services.
- Support for today and the future: OpenAthens is built on international standards. Our fully hosted and supported software and ITIL accredited service desk ensure these standards are maintained for all our customers. As the technology evolves, OpenAthens evolves with it.
OpenAthens Connect
Remove barriers to knowledge with a simple, affordable, single sign-on solution.
For librarians working in organisations with straightforward access requirements, OpenAthens Connect provides a secure, reliable and affordable single sign-on solution. Designed to be simple to implement and easy to use, Connect enables libraries to offer seamless remote access to digital subscriptions and essential information, wherever users are located.
With a focus on core authentication features rather than unnecessary complexity, it is ideal for organisations looking to efficiently manage user access while keeping costs low. OpenAthens Connect helps libraries continue supporting their users with straightforward, dependable access to the digital resources they need.
Annual subscription pricing starts at USD 825, with adjustments typically aligned to standard annual pricing reviews.
- Cost-effective: affordable annual subscription pricing makes secure authentication accessible for organisations with limited budgets
- Intuitive and user-friendly: designed with librarians in mind, Connect is easy to set up, manage and use without requiring specialist technical expertise
- Ideal for organisations with limited resources: a streamlined solution focused on essential authentication features, without the complexity of larger enterprise systems
- Save time with self-service management: simple administration tools reduce the time and effort needed to manage user access
Oak Hill College case study - find out how OpenAthens Connect helped Oak Hill College deliver single sign-on that improved access to library resources for students and staff wherever they learn and work.
Derwentside College case study - find out how Derwentside College moved from IP-based authentication to OpenAthens Connect.
OpenAthens Compass
A premium, personalised single sign-on solution, designed for complex organisations, built for librarians.
For librarians working in large organisations with complex environments, OpenAthens Compass makes user and resource management simpler through a premium, personalised single sign-on solution.
Providing secure, seamless access to digital resources, Compass is backed by a team of industry experts who offer guidance and support throughout implementation and beyond. By simplifying complex authentication processes and reducing technical overhead, OpenAthens Compass enables librarians to manage access to subscriptions efficiently while ensuring users can connect easily to the knowledge they need.
Compass is a tailored solution designed for complex organisations, we provide a bespoke quote based on your specific needs. Inquire for pricing.
- Premium support and onboarding: receive personalised onboarding, ongoing support and guidance from a dedicated team of OpenAthens experts and your account manager
- True single sign-on: easy access without relying on IP addresses. We can integrate with the organisation's existing authentication system to create a true single sign-on experience
- Robust and reliable: Compass provides a highly secure authentication method trusted by governments, defence departments, healthcare and similar institutions worldwide.
- Personalised to your organisation: Compass can be tailored to meet the needs of organisations of any size, integrating with library and learning systems across complex environments
University of Leeds case study - find out how the University of Leeds library adopted OpenAthens Compass to simplify access to digital resources, improve security and deliver a seamless single sign-on experience for over 38,000 students and 9,000 academics.
University of Hertfordshire case study - find out how the university has been able to streamline reporting, improve visibility of usage patterns and make more informed decisions around resource investment and budget allocation.
Coventry University case study - find out how Coventry University’s Lanchester Library uses OpenAthens Compass to support secure, seamless access to digital resources.
OpenAthens Keystone
A secure authentication solution to participate in SAML federations around the world.
OpenAthens Keystone is a cloud-based solution that enables you to take advantage of federated single sign-on. Keystone helps publishers and service providers deliver secure, seamless access to content for users around the world and makes it easier for organisations to expand their reach by connecting to OpenAthens Federation and other federations globally.
Designed to support modern, privacy-preserving authentication, Keystone enables organisations to move away from unreliable IP-based access control and adopt secure federated single sign-on. With built-in reporting and expert support, it provides the tools needed to improve user experience, protect content and gain valuable insight into authentication activity.
- Great user experience: simplify the login journey with OpenAthens Wayfinder, helping users quickly find their organisation and access content
- Reach a broader customer base: connect to multiple federations through a standards-based approach that supports customers across regions and sectors
- Move beyond IP-based access: replace unreliable IP authentication with a modern, secure and scalable federated access solution
- Secure and trusted platform: built to ISO 27001 standards with managed certificates, metadata management and regular security testing
Mark Allen group case study - find out how the Mark Allen group enabled single sign-on across publications to streamline customer experience.
IOP Publishing case study - find out how IOP Publishing integrated Keystone with their IOPscience website using a serverless architecture hosted on the Amazon Web Services cloud.
OpenAthens Federation
Simplify your login experience by accessing a global network with over 3,000 members from diverse industries.
The OpenAthens Federation is a global network that enables organisations, publishers and service providers to securely connect users with digital content and services through federated single sign-on. By joining the federation, organisations can simplify authentication, improve security and make access easier for users across a wide range of sectors and regions.
As the only federation that welcomes participation from publishers and service providers regardless of country or industry, the OpenAthens Federation connects over 3,000 organisations worldwide. The OpenAthens Federation offers great flexibility - join us with any SAML single sign-on solution and we will handle all the technical complexities for you.
- Access a global network: join a federation of over 3,000 organisations across academia, healthcare, corporate and other sectors worldwide
- Reach more customers: connect your content and services to a broader audience through a trusted international authentication network
- Easy federation participation: join using any SAML-compliant single sign-on solution while OpenAthens manages the technical complexity
- Enhanced security: protect content and services through secure federated authentication that reduces the risks associated with shared credentials and IP-based access
Open University Press case study - find out how OUP worked with OpenAthens to deliver a seamless migration experience for users.
Getting started
Contact your relationship manager to find out more about using the service. If you need support, email contact@openathens.net.
ISO certification
This service is included within the scope of our ISO9001 and ISO27001 certificates.
