OpenAthens @ Thigpen Library

Fall Semester 2024, Thigpen Library has transitioned to OpenAthens authentication for access to library electronic resources. This new system uses Single Sign-On (SSO), the same platform you use when accessing eLearn, Vol State email accounts, or the My Vol State portal. If you sign in to one, you sign in to all!

OpenAthens is Live!

Check regularly for updates and more information.  

Hopefully, you don't notice much of a change! You will log in the same way you're used to logging into your Vol State email or eLearn with the same multi-factor authentication process.

If you do notice anything, it will be increased speed in accessing the library's electronic resources.

All Vol State users (current students, faculty, or staff) will need to authenticate (sign-in) when creating a new "session." In other words, if you log-in to your email (or other Vol State resource), you'll automatically be logged in to library resources! And vice versa - if you log into library resources first, you'll be logged in to your email or eLearn accounts . 

If you access library resource first, your log-in screen should look like the below image. 

You also have the option to access the library's subscribed content without going through the library website (for instance, through Google or Google Scholar). The exact process varies, but where it is supported, you will have the ability to log into OpenAthens by selecting Volunteer State Community College from a list and entering your Vol State credentials. The OpenAthens login screen is easy to use.

There will be no change to the library's selection of subscribed electronic resources as a result of moving to OpenAthens. The Vol State community will be able to continue using Thigpen Library's e-resources with little or no disruption. If you do experience problems, or would like more information, please email Thigpen Library at librarian@volstate.edu.

OpenAthens Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication management system that provides seamless access to the library’s licensed online resources.  This makes access to the library's electronic resources simple from anywhere on and off campus.

• If you're already logged in to Vol State resources, accessing library resources will NOT require an additional log-in, from on- or off-campus.
• Users who find library resources through external sources (ex. Google Scholar) can gain access directly without having to navigate back through the library website.
• Options to create personal accounts within library resources, databases, etc. to save content to your "bookshelf."
• OpenAthens Single Sign-On session remains active for 8 hours, unless you clear browser cache and cookies.
• OpenAthens uses a more secure method (SAML) to authenticate, so account security is better.
• Learn more.

Check to see if your bookmarks, saved links, or reading list links to Thigpen Library's electronic content need to be updated. Old links that contain the "ezproxy" phrase may not work after Oct 15, 2024. (Information about how to link to Thigpen Library's e-resources is located in the Faculty Resources tab of this guide).