About OpenAthens

OpenAthens is a system that supports HarvardKey authentication for licensed online resources, including journals, ebooks, and databases. OpenAthens is a more secure and effective way to access library resources and it will gradually replace EZProxy.  

Key Points

• Works with HarvardKey (Single sign-on)
• Users can go directly to provider platforms and databases without needing to start at a Harvard website
• Comes with a link generator to share with other Harvard users
• Support for IPv6

Why are we doing this?

• Some new e-resource subscriptions under consideration only support OpenAthens
• Many existing subscriptions are migrating to OpenAthens and away from EZProxy
• A new trend of access errors in EZProxy has been emerging as internet browsers and ISPs tighten security

Phased Implementation:

OpenAthens will be implemented with a phased approach. Initially, we are prioritizing resources that are problematic with EZProxy and resources that are new. Please see the memo shared with DEAK for more information on the decision to move forward with a phased implementation approach. 

Phase 1 (Summer/Fall 2024)

The initial phase of OpenAthens implementation will include the following resources: 

• Brill
• China Social Science Library
• Journal of the History of Dentistry
• JSTOR
• Project MUSE
• Taylor & Francis eBooks
• Taylor & Francis Journals
• Wiley Online LibraryBrill

These resources were chosen to include some moderate-use resources (based off of course reserve usage data), platforms with IPv6-related authentication issues, and other platforms that present EZProxy or related CAPTCHA issues. 

EZProxy links will remain active, but links in HOLLIS will be changed once configuration and testing are completed. Resources such as LibKey Nomad, Lean Library, and the bookmarklet will continue to work. If an EZProxy link has been bookmarked, it will continue to work for the time being, but not indefinitely. LTS and ITS will establish a timeline for any changes to EZProxy and communicate the plan to library staff. Any links to e-resource records in HOLLIS that are bookmarked will not need to be updated. 

Phase 2 (2025 - )

The scope of the second phase is currently under review.   More information will be added to this page once the next phase plans are finalized.