Migration to OpenAthens

August 2023—Changes Coming to Online Resource Access. The simple login steps to acccess Raynor Memorial Libraries's online resources will begin to change starting August 8, 2023. At that time, you will enconter a slightly different but still simple set of login steps, whether you are on campus or off campus. 

Eventually, all of the library's online resources will use this new access process. This represents the library's gradual migration to the OpenAthens authentication system for its online resources—an essential preparation for upgrading the library's core catalog system later in 2024.

What Will Change?

Starting August 8, you will see the new prompt shown on this page when you access online library resources that have migrated to the new OpenAthens authentication system. If you have an active Marquette user ID, select the Marquette University Libraries link. This will take you to a Marquette Outlook login; enter your Marquette username and password to reach the resource you’re seeking. The access steps for online resources that have not yet migrated will remain unchanged. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to log in for some databases with OpenAthens but not others?

We are migrating our online resource databases/vendors in phases. In this first phase, the 30 most used databases/vendors have been migrated. More databases/vendors will be migrated gradually during the fall 2023 semester. The migration will be completed during spring 2024.

How long does my login last?  When will it time out?

Your authentication will end after 8 hours of inactivity in the logged-in browser or when you close the browser.

If I log in with the new authentication prompt, will that login work for the library databases I subsequently use in the same browser session?

Some, not all. The authentication will give you access to all library online resources that have migrated to the new authentication system. The old authentication steps will apply for resources that have not yet migrated. 

Will I have to log in for each database that I use, even in the same browser session? 

No.

Does logging into one browser then authenticate me on other browsers that I open?  

No. Each login is browser-specific.

Who do I contact if my OpenAthens login does not work?

Please fill out the “Database Access problems” form or give us a call at (414) 288-7556. 

Why is the library switching to OpenAthens authentication for online resources?

Raynor Memorial Libraries is undertaking this change because it is migrating to new catalog software in summer 2024. The new software requires a different authentication technology than the library currently uses. The new OpenAthens authentication process also offers other benefits.

• OpenAthens is a more secure authentication technology. The same technology (under other names) is also used by banks and other organizations where security is a major concern. 
• A VPN connection will be less frequently required for off-campus access to library resources.