How to access a resource via Athens

The majority of online Library resources are password protected. In order to access them, usually you only need to use your Open University computer username and password.

 In most cases selecting the link from any OU website will take you straight to the eresource.

 Some resources may ask you for an Athens username and password, for example when accessing the ScienceDirect or Digimap databases. 

Athens is the name of the service which manages authenticated access to subscription eresources.

 

You don’t need a separate Athens username and password but you may have to navigate extra links into the resource you want, and here is some guidance on how to do that.

If you encounter an OpenAthens Authentication Point ignore the username and password boxes and click on the ‘Alternative login’ link below.

Next you will need to find your organisation, The Open University, Type the word ‘Open’ into the quick search box, then click ‘Go’ to quickly find the appropriate part of the alphabetical list of organisations. From the links below the search box, choose ‘Open University’.

Make sure the check box ‘Remember this organisation on this computer’ is ticked.

Now select ‘Go to the Open University login page’.

If you have not already signed in with your OU username and password, you will be asked to do so. Just enter your username and password and click ‘Sign in’.

If you’re asked to Choose your Athens resource select the ‘General access to athens resources’ link. Agree to any security warnings or certificates at this stage. You will then be transferred to the eresource.

If you are using a Mac computer this page may not appear.

 You may come across variations in the route to accessing some Athens authenticated resources. For example, Jisc MediaHub. In this case choose the ‘Search and download via UK federation’ login. 

Type ‘Open’ into the search box and click Search. Select ‘The Open University (Athens).’

 Select ‘Continue’. Now you would select the Alternative Login link and navigate through the Open University login page and access to athens resources, as shown earlier, until the database opens for 

 

If you have not already signed in with your OU username and password, you will be asked to do so. Just enter your username and password and click ‘Sign in’.

If you are still experiencing problems please get in touch with the Library Helpdesk