Starting Monday, August 11, 2025, BLS Library is changing over to the use of OpenAthens, a secure access management platform that allows users to access electronic resources remotely using single sign-on (SSO). Members of the BLS community will be able to use OpenAthens to access library resources remotely, in place of remote access through the proxy server.  Below, please find an important message from Library Director Brittany Persson detailing the reasons for the change, and resources if you run into issues. The BLS Library Technology: Remote Access guide also provides important information about OpenAthens and links to key resources connected to the transition. 

“On Monday, August 11th, BLS Library will begin our transition to OpenAthens, a new method of accessing library electronic resources remotely. OpenAthens will replace our current remote access system, the proxy server, and will instead use single sign-on (SSO) technology that integrates with BLS accounts.

Why is the Library making this change?

Discontinuing the proxy server and migrating to OpenAthens will improve the research experience at BLS by providing reliable, stable, secure, and streamlined access to library resources from anywhere.*

How will this affect you?

  1. When accessing a digital resource through a library website (such as the catalog, the A-Z Databases list and our research guides), you will be directed to an OpenAthens login screen, where you can click "Sign in with your BLS credentials". Once you enter your BLS email and password, you will then be signed into OpenAthens on that browser, even if you navigate to other websites or resources.

A screenshot of a web page AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

  1. When accessing a digital resource directly through a database, look for a login link. Login links might include terms like, “Login through your institution,” “OpenAthens,” or “Sign In”.

A screenshot of a login screen AI-generated content may be incorrect.A screenshot of a computer screen AI-generated content may be incorrect.

  1. Resources that already require individual usernames and passwords, such as Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg, and CALI, are not migrating to OpenAthens.

What do you need to know?

The migration to OpenAthens will take place from Monday, August 11th to Wednesday, August 13th. During this time, resource links in the catalog, the A-Z Databases list and our research guides will be updated to allow for proper OpenAthens access.

During this transition, some resource URLs may be temporarily broken or unavailable. We appreciate your patience while we ensure that OpenAthens is properly configured and set up.

What do you need to do?

During the first few weeks of the fall semester, you should disable the proxy server. If you have links to subscription resources bookmarked or embedded in class syllabi, they will also need to be updated to comply with OpenAthens. Instructions for disabling the proxy and updating links, as well as more detailed information about OpenAthens, can be found here.

After August 13, if you run into any access problems, please send them to the Library using our Report an OpenAthens Issue form.”