TDNet Discover

What is OpenAthens (OA)?

     *  OA is a tool that serves as a safe and secure remote access gateway to our subscribed Library  e-resources.

     *  Allows non-IP authentication to digital platforms or to single  e-journals that accept OA.

     *  Provides the convenience of “SSO” aka Single Sign On for remote access without having to go through VPN or Citrix.

What does SSO stand for?

Single Sign On

Where and when does OA work?

OA is intended to provide REMOTE access to subscribed content.

There is no need to sign on to OA if a patron is using online library resources on site at one of our AW hospitals or clinics.

Do I need to create an OA account when using library resources on site?

No.  If you are using library resources on site, your access should be seamless, using IP-authentication in the background.

OA accounts are used for remote access (outside of VPNs or Citrix), and are not solely tied to IP addresses. The OA account is tied to your Ascension network login or OA managed account.

What is a managed account?

• It’s an OA account with a user ID and password.   
• It uses the OA platform, NOT the Ascension network, so end users must login using the OA credentials.
• It is not necessary to register these accounts while on site in your library.

I went on a journal website that has the OA logo but when I clicked on it I still didn’t get the full text of the item. Why?

OA will only provide access to those journals and resources to which our AW library subscribes.

There is a small handful of ejournals that do not use OpenAthens for remote access.  Some of them will only be available on site.

For some non-OA journals, end users will need to follow the remote access instructions provided by that vendor (usually an individual account that uses their Ascension email, and requires remote registration while on-site, but check with your vendor).

Do end users have to access OA via the library home page or can they find OA via a specific journal (like JAMA) or platform (like Clinical Key) and login that way?

They can do either, but to boost traffic, starting on the library home page should be encouraged. It is also more convenient for the patron because they can then easily visit other library resources, if desired.

How do I accrue CME/CEUs using OA?

OpenAthens single sign on will authenticate the user on the vendor platform; the user will still need to log in with a personal account in order to access personal items like alerts / CMEs , etc.

Does OA connect to LinkOut / Outside Tool in PubMed?

It does not link directly. If you search in PubMed and find an Ascension icon for an abstract, and if the end user is not already logged in, they will be prompted to login (Ascension) in order to access full content.

If the end user clicks on the vendor icon (JAMA) they will have to then use the institutional login under the OA [icon] option to get to the full text.

How do I get an OA account if I do not have an Ascension email?

Patrons need to belong to MOSTL, but they also need an active directory profile. Check in the Contacts App in Gmail (you’ll need to go into Contacts via the Apps grid, not the Contacts on the far left side of your screen). Not all MOSTL employees can be given access, but most can. If you are unsure and cannot locate a hospital affiliation or market site, contact Alexia or Kellee.

Does OA work outside of the continental USA?

Yes. It’s international.

How long does a session with OA last?

Your OA login “lasts” for 6 hours on the computer you logged into, no matter if you close your OA tab or close your browser during that time.

If you logoff, your OA connection is of course lost.

Can I use OA to access other Ascension market libraries?

No. Example: If I am an Ascension Wisconsin associate and I click on the Ascension MI icon, will it give me access to their resources? No. 

Library resources are licensed for local markets.  You have to belong to a local market to access the library resources licensed for that specific market.

Exceptions: Nursing Reference Center, DynaMed and Lexicomp which are licensed to ALL of Ascension.