IT Support

Two new authentication systems now in use - Shibboleth and EZProxy

Resources should be accessed via the A-Z online resources list on the university portal.

Background

From 31st July 2008 JISC ceased funding for the Athens Access Management System used to provide authenticated access to many of the Library's web based subscription resources such as online journals, abstract databases, and e-books.

To replace Athens, Information Services have implemented 2 new Access Management systems: Shibboleth and EZProxy.

JISC has committed to Shibboleth as the next generation Access Management solution and has set up the UK Access Management Federation to support the adoption of Shibboleth by the UK HE and FE communities.

Not all Athens resources will be available via Shibboleth by the end of July though, so EZProxy will be used to maintain access to these resources until such time as they become Shibboleth compliant.

The best way to access Library resources will still be to start by logging on to the University Portal, then go to the Library's A-Z List (which is linked to from the Portal homepage), and then access the required resource from there. Detailed guides on how to access particular resources following the change over will also be made available from the A-Z list when the time comes.

Updates on the move to Shibboleth will be added to these pages as appropriate and announcements will be made via the IS homepage and via emails.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Senior Subject Librarian.

**ACCESS TO NHS RESOURCES WILL BE UNAFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES - THOSE WHO QUALIFY FOR ACCESS TO NHS SCOTLAND'S KNOWLEDGE NETWORK WILL STILL GET ACCESS VIA AN NHS PERSONAL ATHENS ACCOUNT**