Reducing Barriers to Off-Campus Access

Next time you want to use an online resource (database, e-book, or e-journal) from off-campus you have the option to use your UNL credentials to authenticate your identity for access. The Libraries, in collaboration with ITS, has launched the option for UNL students, staff, and faculty to authenticate into our subscription e-resources using their UNL credentials. This option moves the Libraries and University closer to a single sign-on for campus resources, allowing users to reduce the number of separate passwords they needed to remember. 

“The major advantage to UNL students and faculty is that they can log into the UNL system and navigate between campus tools, such as Canvas and the Libraries e-resources more seamlessly and without having to remember a separate login,” explained Elizabeth Lorang, Interim Associate Dean, University Libraries. “We also hope that people now have a better sense of how to proceed when they come across a library resource that requires authentication, because the login process will look like other login options across campus,” Lorang continued.

The new login option was launched for testing in mid-July. An initial assessment indicated that the authentication process is working as planned. If users encounter problems in accessing the Libraries’ online resources, however, they should contact an AskUs service point.

Lorang explained that the Libraries’ own login system, called “MyLibrary,” still remains and gives affiliates like visiting researchers and vendors a way into the Libraries resources. UNL students, staff, and faculty may also continue to use their MyLibrary accounts to track and renew checked out books and other materials.