OpenAthens @ FGCU

Why is the library changing authentication services?

OpenAthens will allow campus researchers to access e-resources directly from publisher websites without going through the FGCU library website first (although still possible). OpenAthens also allows the library to gather more eresource usage data. Open Athens utilizes FGCU's Single-Sign On.

Will I need to log in when I am on campus or when connected to the VPN?

Yes. the FGCU library has chosen this option so we can collect usage statistics to better inform our eresource purchasing decisions. On-site community patrons / guests will need to request a temporary guest login.

My saved links or bookmarks to the Library's 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.fgcu.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 Library's databases, click on the Share icon to the right of the database title () and use the URL provided.  

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

Contact the library and we will help you. 

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

When visiting a publisher website that supports OpenAthens, you should see an OpenAthens login form similar to the image below. The form will ask you to identify your home institution. To log in, ignore any Username or Password fields and search for Florida Gulf Coast University via the institutional lookup field. From there, log in using your FGCU SSO credentials. If the Library subscribes to the resource you are trying to access, you should be given access to the resource. 

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. 

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 Florida Gulf Coast University via the institutional lookup field. From there, log in using your FGCU SSO credentials. If the Library subscribes to the resource you are trying to access, you should be given access to the resource. 

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 need help with my saved links or bookmarks or have other questions about accessing the Library's resources?

Contact the Library and we will help you.