Open Athens

Open Athens Logo

What is OpenAthens?

OpenAthens is an authentication service, it allows you to use your UniMelb account to access subscription-based electronic resources both on and off campus.

How will OpenAthens affect me?

  • If you are accessing resources via Discovery Search, there will be no change.
  • You may now directly login to some online databases/journals with OpenAthens authentication.
  • If you save or share links in the LMS or other systems, you will need to update your links. You can update your links via our conversion tool.
  • An easier method to directly access e-resources is with the Lean Library Extension, which saves your OpenAthens credentials and automatically logs you into online databases, journals and tools.
  • You will need to change the proxy url in your reference management software (EndNote, Zotero, ReadCube).
  • If you are experiencing issues with OpenAthens, you can follow these troubleshooting tips which may help to fix the problem.

Login with OpenAthens if you see this option on the web

On some vendor sites (like JSTOR) you can login via OpenAthens using your University account. Look for the Institutional Login, Library Login or OpenAthens login options like those pictured:

Institutional sign in screen with arrow pointing to OpenAthens link

Why OpenAthens?

lean library screenshot

OpenAthens offers a single sign-on, integrated with the University of Melbourne's authentication service, to access the library’s subscription-based content.

  • Staff and students are able to access e-resources across service provider sites with just one login.
  • OpenAthens replaces Ezproxy, our previous service, because OpenAthens single sign-on approach is more secure, reliable, and transparent than Ezproxy's IP recognition.

If you're experiencing issues with OpenAthens, view our OpenAthens troubleshooting tips.