The benefits of an integrated library system
Libraries rely on a range of systems and applications to support students, researchers and staff. When these systems work well together, they can make accessing electronic resources easier for users and reduce the administrative work involved in managing them.
Integrating library systems helps create a more consistent user experience, reduce the need for multiple login processes, simplify access to resources and give library teams useful insights into how their digital services are being used.
OpenAthens Compass is designed to integrate with other existing library management or authentication systems and local directories.
Integration with third-party apps
Many institutions use a combination of library management systems, discovery services, learning platforms and other applications. Connecting these can help users move between services more easily.
OpenAthens Compass enables organizations to establish a single sign-on connection into various apps and services, including but not limited to:
Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, BrowZine, Lean Library, TDNet, Ex Libris Alma and Primo, EBSCO EDS, Summon, SFX, Moodle, Blackboard, FOLIO, Koha and WorldShare.
Integration with local directories
Local directories and identity providers are another important part of a library's systems. Connecting them with access management services allows users to sign in using their existing credentials.
Our service enables organizations to establish connections to sign in to OpenAthens Compass with various products using existing organizational credentials, including but not limited to:
Microsoft Entra, Google Workspace, Shibboleth, CAS, OKTA, Ping Identity, SirsiDynix,- Symphony, KOHA.
Creating a seamless user experience
One of the main benefits of integrating library systems is making access simpler for students, researchers and staff.
When users need to navigate multiple platforms, separate login processes can create unnecessary barriers. A consistent sign-in experience can reduce the frustration of forgotten passwords, locked accounts and repeated requests for login assistance. For librarians, this can mean fewer access-related enquiries and less time spent helping users resolve authentication problems. For users, it means less time navigating systems and more time accessing the resources they need.
We spoke to Theo Stubbs, Digital Librarian at Leeds Arts University, about the benefits of an integrated library system:
The main benefit to students is the fact that a barrier to access has been removed. Learning how to use OpenAthens Compass isn’t a concern for students anymore as it operates seamlessly in the background. A single set of sign-on credentials ensures the student experience is consistent, improving overall user experience. The analytics portal is easy to use and we have noticed the number of failed authentications drop significantly. Previous student engagement surveys reported struggles accessing electronic resources, this is no longer the case.
Making the librarian's job easier
Integrating library systems also brings benefits for the librarian. It eliminates the need to manage multiple access routes and manually manage multiple login credentials, saving time and effort. A seamless user journey will reduce the number queries from users that can’t login.
Our integration enables librarians to use the same access management system to help build a consistent user journey. Ensuring that links from your websites and services use the OpenAthens Redirector provides a consistent way of linking to electronic resources. The Redirector can also be used alongside a link resolver.
Getting more value from usage data
Simplifying access to resources increases accuracy of usage reporting. This helps the library realise the value in their subscriptions, if users can’t access a resource, the library won’t be able to see the value
Integrating library systems also helps improve the learning environment and exam systems within libraries and institutions. For example, our reporting tool enables librarians to have an early indication of student engagement and retention on sites such as Google Classroom, Blackboard and Moodle. With our reporting tool you can also see what services are most used and how often. If the library wants to see how many users are making the most of the integrated system, OpenAthens Compass can create reports to demonstrate usage.
What if your system isn't on the list?
The applications and directories listed above are just some examples of the systems that can work alongside OpenAthens. Every institution has its own combination of tools, and not seeing a particular application on this list doesn't necessarily mean it can't be integrated.
If you can't see the system your institution uses, get in touch. We will always be on hand to help integrate with the library systems or directories your institution may have in place.
