Find out more about OpenAthens Connect.

What is OpenAthens Connect? 

OpenAthens Connect is an affordable, user-friendly single sign-on solution for organizations with simple needs. It provides librarians with a simple way to offer secure, remote access to digital subscriptions, ensuring seamless access to essential information, no matter where users are. Easy to use and cost-effective, it is ideal for organizations looking to efficiently manage user access without the complexity of more advanced systems. It empowers libraries to continue supporting their users with reliable, straightforward access to digital resources. 

What are the key aspects of OpenAthens Connect? 

Connect is simple and offers a librarian-friendly setup. It is designed to be non-technical so users can easily navigate it regardless of their technical knowledge. It offers secure on-campus and remote authentication, basic reporting to support subscription decisions, and a built-in library portal for users. It currently integrates with Microsoft Entra and Google user directories and is available in Spanish and English.

How is OpenAthens Connect different or better for organizations with simple needs? 

• Affordable: Designed for budget-conscious institutions, including those relying on grants 

• Simple: No unnecessary features that add cost or complexity 

• Nontechnical: No IT team required to maintain the service 

• Secure: Modern federated authentication replaces IP and shared passwords, while supporting a managed proxy 

• Global: Currently available in Spanish and English, with more languages to  

• Scalable: Organizations can upgrade to OpenAthens Compass if needs grow 

It provides exactly what smaller or simpler organizations need - without the complexity they don’t. 

Is it possible to create guest accounts for temporary or visiting library users? 

OpenAthens Connect does not currently support guest or temporary accounts. If this capability would help your organization - especially if you rely on rotating or visiting users - please share your feedback with us. Connect is built around librarian needs, and your insights help shape future updates. 

Are library users able to access resources remotely (offsite/home) and onsite with OpenAthens Connect? 

Yes. One of the core problems OpenAthens Connect solves is enabling secure, seamless access for users wherever they are - even in organizations with limited budgets, minimal IT support, or outdated access methods like IP authentication. Using their institutional credentials, users authenticate once and begin an 8hour OpenAthens session, allowing them to move across different publisher sites without repeated logins.