Accessing e-Resources with
OpenAthens

What is OpenAthens?

OpenAthens is a single sign-on (SSO) authentication service that lets you use your UOW Malaysia account to access online resources both on and off campus. With SSO, you can move between resources without needing to login repeatedly.

What’s changing?

When searching Library EXPLORE and e-Resources:

• There are no changes to how you find and use online resources via the library. These will automatically use OpenAthens Authentication. This is the most reliable way to access Library resources.

When searching outside of the Library:

• You may be able to access content directly from open web searches.
• Look for options to sign in like Institutional Login or OpenAthens Login (each website is slightly different). Then search for UOW Malaysia and login using your UOW Malaysia details.
• Previously, access required going through Library EXPLORE. Now, you only need to login once for all supported content providers.

Why OpenAthens?

OpenAthens offers more secure, reliable, and flexible access. It will also reduce the frustrating ‘Pay for full text’ issues you may have experienced previously when trying to access resources on publisher websites. OpenAthens lets you login directly with participating publishers, making it easier to discover and access content.

What is an OpenAthens link?

An OpenAthens link allows secure access to UOW Malaysia Library’s online e-Resources. These links start with:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/uow.edu.my?url=

How to convert links

To convert links use the OpenAthens Link Generator (or add the prefix manually):

1. Copy and paste your original link into the text field, Enter URL here.
2. Click the Generate Redirect Link button.
3. Test the new link using the Test Link button (the link will open in a new window in your browser).
4. Copy the new link to your clipboard using the Copy to Clipboard button and paste to the required location.

Note:

• The link generator may not work for all resources.
• If a converted link does not work, find the resource through Library EXPLORE and use the permalink.

OpenAthens Link Generator

Redirector URLs can be created by adding https://go.openathens.net/redirector/uow.edu.my?url= as a prefix to the target URL, or go here to generate UOW Malaysia OpenAthens link.

Converting existing links

You will need to convert links that:

• include the EZproxy prefix: http://ezproxy.kdu.edu.my:2048/login?url=…
• include the embedded EZproxy domain: https://<online_resource_domain>. ezproxy.kdu.edu.my:2048/…
• links that do not have the OpenAthens prefix

Logging in via web searches

On some publisher sites (e.g. EBSCOhost) you can login via OpenAthens using your University account.

1. 1. Look for login options such as Institutional Login, Library Login or OpenAthens login options like those pictured below.
   2. Select the relevant login, for example, Institutional Sign In.
   3. Select Access Through Your Institution
      
      
   4. Search for University of Wollongong.
      

Using OpenAthens across different browsers and devices 

OpenAthens uses cookies to recognise your device. You will only be asked to log in again if you:

• switch browsers (e.g. from Firefox to Chrome)
• switch devices, (e.g. from a laptop to a mobile)
• clear your cookies.

For best user experience, it’s recommended to regularly clear your browser’s cache and cookies.

Some databases allow the users to create a Personal Account, which can generally be used to save individual resources or searches, to provide quick access to frequently used materials. You may be required to link or merge your existing Personal Accounts when you are signing in with OpenAthens for the first time.

EBSCOHost

New and returning users signing in via OpenAthens authentication for the first time will have a new personal My Dashbaord (perviously known as MyEBSCO Account) created on EBSCOhost.

Ebook Central (ProQuest)

A new Ebook Central Profile based on your UOW Malaysia credentials will be created automatically for you along with a new Bookshelf when you sign in for the first time.