Athens simplified - FAQs

The following may be of interest to staff and returning students:

1. If I try this new network login will I still be able to access resources via my old Athens username and password?
Yes, you can still use your Athens username and password from Solar until the network login goes live in June.

2. What will happen once the network login goes live in June?
When this service goes live the links from databases within SOLAR will be changed to take you directly to the network login (where possible) and information on the best ways to login will be provided. So the best way to access resources is via databases in SOLAR.

3. Will I be able to use my Athens username and password after the network login goes live in June?
Yes it will be possible for a while to use your old Athens to login to resources but you will need to make the switch as Athens usernames and passwords will stop working later in 2013.

4. What happens if I forget or need to have a new network username and password?
Access to the library resources will be available via your network username and password as soon as it is reset.

5. Will I lose access to any resources by changing to my network username and password?
While we are testing not all resources are available via the network login. However once the system is live you should be able to access all the resources you currently get. Some resources (e.g. Box of Broadcasts and Digimap) allow you to save information and personalise your settings. When switching to using your network username and password this information may be lost. If you think this affects you please contact your Academic Support Librarian.

6. Can I log in to Athens resources with my network username and password now?
Yes, but this system is still in test so it might not always work as expected. Go to the Athens Simplified page and follow the instructions. We would welcome any feedback.

7. Is it safe to put my network username and password into the login screen even when I have come from a link in the resources website e.g. Lexis Nexis Library?
Yes it is safe. The login function is actually all now done on the University network using HTTPS, and only anonymized attributes are sent to the third-party resource in order to determine if access is granted. However, the easiest way to access resources is to use the links provided on the Library webpages.

ScienceDirect, and some other providers, do ask users to register in order to give personalised features etc. but they are not able to link this back to your network username or password.

Further information on the security used with this login is available.