Restricting access to library databases through OpenAthens

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

OpenAthens enables libraries to implement specific access restrictions for electronic resources to comply with restrictive licensing agreements. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

David Leffler

doi:10.1080/1941126x.2026.2723549

August 26, 2026Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship

Restricting access to library databases through OpenAthens

View at Publisher

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Key Points

To examine how libraries can leverage OpenAthens authentication to restrict database access to specific user groups in accordance with vendor licensing terms.
Evaluation of OpenAthens identity and access management architecture within an academic library setting.
Implementation of permission sets and user attribute mapping to segment electronic resource access across diverse institutional user categories.
OpenAthens successfully restricts database access to authorized user subsets, preventing unauthorized use of restricted electronic collections.
Granular permission set management enables libraries to comply with vendor licensing contracts without disrupting universal campus authentication workflows.

Implication

Technical evaluation demonstrates granular access control for electronic resources in academic libraries, highlighting methods for enforcing license restrictions.

Abstract

OpenAthens is a company that provides libraries with a secure means of authentication for electronic resources. While many licenses allow access to all affiliated users, some restrict usage to spec...

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Cite This Study

David Leffler (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9298d38e5d7d1fc0c10aef https://doi.org/10.1080/1941126x.2026.2723549

View at Publisher

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Restricting access to library databases through OpenAthens

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Restricting access to library databases through OpenAthens

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Keep reading

More related papers

More from Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship

Keep reading

More related papers

More from Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship