Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about EZproxy Single Sign-on

• How do I set up EZproxy Single Sign-on?

  The steps required to configure and implement Ezproxy single sign-on will involve your EZproxy server, the NetLibrary Library Resource Center (LRC), and your local library catalog.

  Step-by-step instructions for configuring the LRC are available as a downloadable PDF with additional information in the EZproxy Support section of the Web site.

• What happens to NetLibrary user accounts created before EZproxy Single Sign-on goes live?

  Users cannot use NetLibrary user accounts created before EZproxy Single Sign-on went live if they access NetLibrary through EZproxy Single Sign-on. Instead, they will be assigned a new user account based on their library credentials.

• What happens to items that users have already checked out when my library switches to EZproxy Single Sign-on authentication?

  All items currently checked out will remain checked out under the old account and will continue to function. If the user wishes to renew the item they will have to create a new checkout.

• My library has EZproxy but not the version required for use with NetLibrary. How can I get the required version?

  Current EZproxy customers can download the required version at no cost.

• When is a library user prompted for authentication?

  A library user will be prompted to login anytime they attempt to use a feature that requires personal identification. This includes the checkout of content, accessing "favorites and notes," "my checked items" and "edit my account." Additionally, users that are not in the library will be prompted for their credentials the first time they access NetLibrary from a remote location. Once the credentials have been provided all of the features of NetLibrary will be available without any further authentication.

• Can I test my EZproxy single sign-on configuration before the go-live date?

  Yes. Select a date for your test and enter this in the "go-live date" field. After completion of the test, change the date in the "go-live date" field to your public launch date.

  To change the go-live date: Select "Configure EZproxy Single sign-on" from the Administration console of the Library Resource Center. Enter a go-live date in the field provided. (Leave the field blank to go live immediately.) Click Save.

• What do my users see after EZproxy Single Sign-on goes live?

  If users access NetLibrary through a link on your Web site, they first see your EZproxy NetLibrary login page. When they submit their library credentials (such as a library card number), they go to NetLibrary. They are identified with your library’s NetLibrary account and their own user account based on their library credentials. They can take full advantage of your library account and their user account.

  If your library also uses authentication by IP address recognition or secure referring URL and users access NetLibrary through one of those methods, they are identified with your library’s NetLibrary account. When they try to use a feature that requires a user account, NetLibrary directs them to your EZproxy NetLibrary login page. When they submit their library credentials, they are returned to the feature to continue working.

  If users click a link in a record in your library’s local catalog for a NetLibrary title, they go to your EZproxy NetLibrary login page. When they submit their library credentials, they go to the detail record for the NetLibrary title. They can take full advantage of your library account and their user account.

  If your library offers eAudiobooks and users download one, they are prompted to log in to acquire a license the first time they open the eAudiobook if they are no longer logged in to NetLibrary. When this happens, they click the "Check for your Library" link for the "Do you usually authenticate via your library’s Web page?" option. Next they select your library from a drop-down list of libraries and click Submit. Then they go to your EZproxy NetLibrary login page. When they submit their library credentials, they see the message that indicates the license has been issued.

• Will I have access to additional usage statistics afterimplementing EZproxy Single Sign-on?

  Reporting functions, such as usage statistics, are available in the Library Resource Center and remain unchanged after implementing EZproxy Single Sign-on.

• My library uses NetLibrary but does not have EZproxy server software installed. Where can I find more information about EZproxy?

  Find out more about EZproxy.

• How much does EZproxy Single Sign-on authentication cost?

  NetLibrary does not charge a fee to implement this feature and the software upgrade is free to all libraries currently using EZproxy. Find out more about EZproxy software, costs and how to download.

• My library is based in the UK and we use Athens from Eduserv for user authentication to web-based services. How does NL-EZproxy authentication work with Athens?

  If the library is using EZproxy with its built-in Athens support, then the NetLibrary support will work automatically.

• On switching over, if a library user downloads an audio book and then their account gets wiped clean, can they simply reauthorize the file with their new account, thereby checking the book out for another three weeks under their new user account?

  Once Ezproxy single sign-on is implemeted, the library user will no longer have titles listed in "my checked out items." However, this will not impact titles that have already been downloaded and licensed for listening either on their PC or portable device. 

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