Now Is the Time to Move to Federated Authentication-Only for Library E-Resources

Federated access to library resources is not a new thing; in fact, it's been around for about 15 years. But it has primarily been looked at as a backup to IP access and never something that could potentially replace IP as a primary access method or as the only access method. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed this landscape dramatically, especially for remote access and its associated heightened cybersecurity concerns. While many universities are increasingly moving to SAML-based access for enterprise resources, we find that access to library e-resources is often not included in the SAML-based access plans. Part of the reason is lack of appropriate coordination between central campus IT and the library. Join representatives from Elsevier, American Chemical Society, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as they discuss developments to move to federated authentication-only to library e-resources as part of broader cybersecurity measures.