On 1st August 2008, in line with many other UK Universities, we stopped using Athens access to online resources. Shibboleth (often referred to as the UK Federation) replaces Athens as a way to access resources.
This will mean a change in the way you access resources, so we have set up the following instructions to help you.
How should I link to electronic resources from now on?
Use MetaLib, our portal to electronic resources.
MetaLib is the gateway to a comprehensive list of electronic resources available to members of the University of Aberdeen. Here's how to get started:
When off campus:
1. |
Set up the Web proxy.
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2. |
Login to MetaLib |
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To link to your favourite database click on Find Database (located on the top navigation bar). |
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TIP To save time you can bookmark your favourite database(s) by doing the following:
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You should now be able to search your database BUT, if you can't, click on links named Login, Shibboleth, UK Federation or Home Institution.
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To link to your favourite electronic journal, click on Find e-Journal (located on the top navigation bar). Then: |
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If you require more information or help, either:
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Information button in the Actions column located to the right hand side of the database title.When on campus:
1. |
Login to MetaLib |
2. |
To link to your favourite database click on Find Database (located on the top navigation bar). |
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| or | |
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To save time you can bookmark your favourite database(s) by doing the following:
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3. |
You should now be able to search your database BUT, if you can't, click on links named Login, Shibboleth, UK Federation or Home Institution.
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4. |
To link to your favourite electronic journal, click on Find e-Journal (located on the top navigation bar). Then: |
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5. |
If you require more information or help, either:
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Do I have to set the web proxy for Shibboleth/UK Federation links to work?
No. These work without setting the web proxy - follow Step 4 under Off Campus above. However, at this stage not all suppliers have set up Shibboleth/UK Federation services. Therefore we recommend setting the proxy when off campus to ensure you can access all our resources regardless of whether they have a Shibboleth/UK Federation service.
Why do I need to set the web proxy when off campus?
Because not all suppliers have set up Shibboleth/UK Federation access. However, by mid-2009 the majority of suppliers will have adopted the new Shibboleth/UK Federation service.
Which major resource providers have the Shibboleth/UK Federation service ready for use?
The following allow you to login from off campus using the Shibboleth/UK Federation/Institutional Login service:
ScienceDirect, JSTOR, Sage Journal Online, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, SwetsWise, Institute of Physics, CSA, EBSCO, Ovid, Springer, Westlaw, LexisNexis and HeinOnline.
To login to these follow Step 4 under Off Campus above.
Which major resource providers are still setting up the Shibboleth/UK Federation service?
The following major providers are amongst some of those currently setting up a Shibboleth/UK Federation service to enable you to login from off campus:
Ingenta, ABI Inform, Informaworld and Wiley Interscience.
NOTE: Until the service is established the only way to access these providers from off campus is by setting the web proxy so you are recognised as a member of the University. Timescales vary for the transition to the Shibboleth/UK Federation service, but most should be ready early to mid-2009.
Will web proxy access be phased out?
No. Some resources have always required use of the web proxy for access off campus and are likely to continue to do so.
Why have we got rid of Athens and changed to Shibboleth?
This is a national move and we are part of the UK Federation who have set up access to resources by adopting the international standards-based technology called Shibboleth. There are technical benefits to using such technology and for those interested further details can be found at www.ukfederation.org.uk/.
Is that why it's sometimes called Shibboleth and sometimes UK Federation?
Yes. Individual resource providers have decided for themselves which terminology to use.
Do I need to go via Metalib to access resources?
No. But you need use MetaLib to find the URLs for your favourite databases. After that you can save time and bypass MetaLib by bookmarking them. Instructions available here.
I'm working off campus but I’m not allowed to change the proxy, what does this mean for me?
You will have access to all databases that are Shibboleth/UK Federation enabled. However, there will be a transition period during which suppliers use IP authentication until they have completed work on enabling Shibboleth/UK Federation, e.g. publishers Wiley/Blackwell will not be Shibboleth enabled until 2009.
When I try to link to a database I am directed to an Athens login page. I get stuck in a loop and can't get in to the database. What should I do?
You must clear the cookies and temporary Internet files from your PC. To do this:
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Open Internet Explorer and click on the Tools menu at the top of the screen.
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Select Internet Options, then the General tab.
- Scroll down the window to a section called Temporary Internet Files. Click on the Delete Cookies button and then do the same for the Delete Files button.
This should remove the Athens cookies which might still be on your PC and it also gets rid of any previous pages held in the memory of your PC.
Should I log on to my RefWorks account via the Shibboleth link on the RefWorks login page?
No. You will have registered a personal username and password with RefWorks when you set up your account. All you have to do is enter your RefWorks username and password in the boxes on the RefWorks login page.
Who can I go to for help and advice?
The Information Consultant for your subject area will be happy to handle questions about e-resources.
Information Consultant |
Contact Details |
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| Mel Bickerton Medicine and Medical Sciences |
Tel: 01224 552740 Email:m.bickerton@abdn.ac.uk |
| Gilian Dawson, Arts, Humanities and Business Studies |
Tel: 01224 272587 Email: g.d.dawson@abdn.ac.uk |
| Susan McCourt Science, Engineering and Law |
Tel: 01224 273287 Email: s.mccourt@abdn.ac.uk |
| Claire Molloy Education, Music and Social Science |
Tel: 01224 274813 Email: c.a.l.molloy@abdn.ac.uk |
| Elaine Shallcross MetaLib |
Tel: 01224 273848 Email: e.shallcross@abdn.ac.uk |
| Last update on Tuesday, 21-Apr-2009 11:35:19 BST Aberdeen University Library is a member of • RLUK (Research Libraries UK) • RLG (Research Libraries Group) • UKRR (UK Research Reserve) |
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Library, Meston Walk, Old Aberdeen AB24 3UE tel: +44 (0)1224 273600 fax: +44 (0)1224 273956 e-mail: library@abdn.ac.uk |