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OpenAthens

Introducing OpenAthens Compass

A banner image with the logos of OpenAthens and UNBC, with large purple text saying "Introducing OpenAthens Compass" on the left, and a stock image of a person smiling at a laptop on the right.

 

The UNBC Library is excited to announce the implementation of OpenAthens Compass, going live on August 5, 2025. 

OpenAthens Compass provides a more efficient and secure way to log in to UNBC Library journal articles, databases, and other electronic resources.

Users can log in directly from journal and database websites with their UNBC login credentials by clicking the "Sign in through your institution" button where available, which will start an 8 hour session:

A screenshot of a blue “Sign in with your institution” button with a red arrow pointing at the button.

How will this change affect me?

  • How you log in to Library databases will change:
    • You will still use your UNBC account
    • You'll be asked to log in regardless of your location
    • It's still best to start via the Library Search, but you can now access our subscribed resources regardless of where you start, such as Google Scholar, a publisher's website, or a link shared by someone
    • Sessions will now last 8 hours
    • See How to login for details
  • How we provide URLs will change:

Why the change?

OpenAthens Compass is modern authentication software with enhanced privacy and security features and BC-FIPPA compliance. It allows users the option to log in directly from journal and database websites with their UNBC login credentials, providing a more streamlined way for our students and faculty to access UNBC Library resources found online.

OpenAthens and user privacy

None of your personally identifying information is shared. Users are identified by a long alphanumeric string. Neither resource providers nor the OpenAthens service can identify who you are. The Library cannot view individual user activity.

The Library will use high-level aggregate usage information to assess resource use to ensure we can effectively meet the needs of programs and research at UNBC.

Databases often provide the ability to create user accounts to enable additional functionality. User accounts are usually not required to access content licensed by the Library. When creating a user account within a database, please be aware that UNBC has no control over the data provided to the database in the creation and use of the account.

For more information about how UNBC protects user privacy, see UNBC's Protection of Privacy Policy (PDF).