OpenAthens FAQ

When a new account is set up

How are accounts generated for new users?

If a new e-Library user comes to access for the first time, they can choose to log in with their NHS Wales email address and password and OpenAthens will automatically generate a shadow account from a minimal set of details held in the NHS Wales directory, (name, email address, organisation).

Users can also choose to still self-register if they do not have an NHS Wales email address.

Will I get an email confirming the account set up?

No, anyone signing in using their NHS Wales email address and password will not receive an email confirming that they have an OpenAthens account. This is because they are actually signing into the NHS Wales Active Directory which communicates with OpenAthens to generate a “shadowed” account and authorise access. As a result, users won’t necessarily know that they are even using the OpenAthens system.

If the Nadex password is used will it change regularly in line with cymru account? Or is this an initial password and users will be prompted to change it on first login?

Users will be logging in to the NHS Wales Active Directory, not OpenAthens. As such a password won’t actually be held in the OpenAthens system. In line with NHS Wales policy users update these passwords every 3 months.

When a user accesses resources directly (e.g. from Google, as opposed to the library website) they are not immediately presented with the same OpenAthens login.

This will vary from platform to platform, but as a general rule, users can look for the “Login” option, and select “OpenAthens” or “Institutional login”. The OpenAthens login screen that this will generate will be the classic display that self-registered users can use as normal.

Example Screen 1

Example Screen 2

For users wishing to use the new login method however, they will need to find the organisation at this point and select their appropriate Health Board or Trust.

Example screen 3

A particular website doesn’t give me the option for OpenAthens or Institutional Login, instead I only see “Shibboleth”?

Users should still be able to reach the appropriate login screen by selecting “Shibboleth” when there are not other options. Users should in this case look for the “OpenAthens Federation” in the list.

I’ve just joined the e-Library, but I already registered for a personal account with [BMJ] using my email address. I would like to take advantage of the NHS Wales subscription instead.

In most cases, account settings can be migrated. Use the relevant “Contact Us” button on the desired publisher’s website (e.g. BMJ) and they will be able to do this for you.

Can I use SSO on an Apple Mac?

Regardless of which device you use, PC, Apple Mac, a tablet device or mobile phone, Open Athens and SSO will work just the same.