On Monday, May 20, 2024, Himmelfarb Library, in partnership with GW Libraries and Academic Innovation (GW LAI), will change the underlying system that provides access to our online collections including our ebooks, databases, and journals. This change will be seamless for most users as the new system (OpenAthens) uses the same GW Single Sign-On login method used by our current system (EZproxy).
Changes you can expect to see when accessing Himmelfarb’s e-resources include:
- When accessing a subscription resource through the library, you may be prompted to log in with your GW UserID and password, even if you are on campus or connected to the VPN.
- If you’ve recently logged in to another resource via GW’s Single Sign On, you may be able to access resources without logging in again.
- Many publishers offer direct OpenAthens login from their resources by providing an interface that allows users to choose their institution and select a Single Sign On option for access (for example: JAMA’s OpenAthens access)
For GW faculty, instructional designers, and staff who maintain links to course materials in Blackboard and other course management systems, links that use the older EZproxy system will need to be updated. However, additional time is available to make this transition.
Here are some key points to know:
- EZproxy links continue to work and users will be forwarded directly to the linked resource.
- Link forwarding will remain in place for one year to allow for time to update links to OpenAthens.
- Most Blackboard links will be updated automatically via a GW LAI project.
- Links embedded in PDF documents will need to be updated manually.
- Linking to Electronic Resources provides support for creating durable links:
- A QuickTool that allows you to generate and test OpenAthens links.
- Other methods for creating durable links to journal articles, books, streaming videos, etc.
For additional support related to access and durable linking, see the following resources:
- Off-Campus Access Instructions
- Linking to Electronic Resources: Creating Durable Links
- Questions? Email himmelfarb@gwu.edu or Ask A Librarian
