(Original information below from Fall, 2022 marketing on the introduction of OpenAthens)
What is OpenAthens?
OpenAthens is a tool that manages your access (as a current USF student, current or retired USF faculty member, or current USF staff member) to electronic resources licensed by the USF Libraries.
Why is it necessary to limit access to library e-resources?
When the USF Libraries contract with vendors to provide access to e-resources, the vendors need assurance that the e-resources are not being made available to anyone other than appropriate USF students, faculty, and staff.
Don’t EZproxy and the GlobalProtect VPN already serve to limit access?
OpenAthens will replace the need to use either EZproxy or the GlobalProtect VPN to access USF Libraries’ e-resources. EZproxy will be removed as an access method at the end of December 2022.
Do other state universities in Florida use OpenAthens?
USF is the last of the state universities and colleges in Florida to move to using OpenAthens. This means that new USF students, faculty, and staff coming to USF from other state universities and colleges in Florida (as well as from countless other universities around the world) will be able to use a system that they are already familiar with.
What will I need to use OpenAthens?
To log into OpenAthens, you will use your usual USF NetID and password.
Will I be able to access all USF e-resources using OpenAthens?
Some e-resources are limited to USF Health students, faculty, and staff. When you log into OpenAthens, you will be given access to all e-resources that are appropriate for your specific USF affiliation.
What if I have questions about or problems in using OpenAthens?
Please feel free to use our Ask-a-Librarian link if you have any questions or problems related to using OpenAthens.