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Authentication & Browser Changes

Webinar

Scope

Authentication and browsers play a critical role in how libraries and publishers facilitate digitally secure access in the access and exchange of information.  As important components to user experience, resource management, security, and access, understanding recent updates and change is vital.  This program will delve into recent and possible changes and provide knowledge and skills to adapt, ensure compliance with evolving standards, and still prioritize user access and privacy.

Confirmed speakers include Heather Flanagan, Principal Consultant at Spherical Cow Consulting; Amanda Ferrante, Principal Product Manager for Identity & Access Management, EBSCO; and Hong Ma, Head of Library Systems, Loyola University Chicago. Jason Griffey, NISO's Director of Strategic Initiatives will serve as the program moderator.

The program is being coordinated by NISO Education Committee Member Sonali V. Sugrim, E-Resources Discovery & Access Librarian, Collection Strategies, Columbia University Libraries.

Event Sessions

Speakers

Amanda Ferrante

Principal Product Manager, Identity & Access Management
EBSCO Information Services

Hong Ma

Head of Library Systems
Loyola University Chicago

Jason Griffey, Director of Strategic Initiatives at NISO served as the moderator for this program.

The following questions and talking points served as a basis for the discussion to our panel:

Questions:

  1. Network Access Metrics:
    • How will anticipated changes in authentication and browser functionality impact the use of network access metrics to evaluate subscription usage?
    • How might these changes affect COUNTER statistics?
  2. Vendor and Resource Support:
    • What challenges do smaller vendors or niche content providers face in adapting to authentication changes?
    • How can libraries address issues caused by resource providers who lack the capacity to implement solutions?
  3. Error Management:
    • Has anyone developed a shared database of error screenshots and their potential causes?
  4. Single Sign-On (SSO) Options:
    • Is SSO a feasible alternative for handling authentication changes?
  5. Browser and Authentication Changes:
    • How will browser IP obfuscation impact campus and guest users accessing resources?
    • Why is Alphabet (Google) enhancing Chrome’s privacy features, given their ad-revenue model?
  6. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):
    • Can academic libraries configure VPNs to ensure compatibility with the evolving authentication ecosystem?
  7. Usage and Turnaway Statistics:
    • How reliable are turnaway statistics from publishers in capturing failed access instances?

Key Conversation Points:

  • Adaptation to Authentication Changes:
    • Libraries and vendors are exploring how to adapt to changing browser and authentication protocols, particularly in handling IP-based authentication.
  • Collaboration Across Stakeholders:
    • Participants emphasized the need for collaboration between libraries, publishers, and technology providers to respond effectively to these changes.
  • Browser Privacy Regulations:
    • Regulatory pressures were cited as a key factor driving browser developers, like Google, to implement privacy-focused changes.
  • Feedback and Engagement:
    • Attendees highlighted the importance of shared resources, such as databases of authentication errors, to streamline troubleshooting.

Note: This content was generated using ChatGPT.

Additional Information

NISO assumes organizations register as a group. The model assumes that an unlimited number of staff will be watching the live broadcast in a single location, but also includes access to an archived recording of the event for those who may have timing conflicts. 

Educational program contacts and registrants receive sign-on instructions via email three business days prior to the virtual event. If you have not received your instructions by the day before an event, please contact NISO headquarters for assistance via email (nisohq@niso.org). 

Registrants for an event may cancel participation and receive a refund (less $30.00) if the notice of cancellation is received at NISO HQ (nisohq@niso.org) one full week prior to the event date. If received less than 7 days before, no refund will be provided. 

Links to the archived recording of the broadcast are distributed to registrants 24-48 business hours following the close of the live event. Access to that recording is intended for internal use of fellow staff at the registrant’s organization or institution. Shared resources are posted to the NISO event page.

Broadcast Platform

NISO uses the Zoom platform for purposes of broadcasting our live events. Zoom provides apps for a variety of computing devices (tablets, laptops, etc.) To view the broadcast, you will need a device that supports the Zoom app. Attendees may also choose to listen just to audio on their phones. Sign-on credentials include the necessary dial-in numbers, if that is your preference. Once notified of their availability, recordings may be downloaded from the Zoom platform to your machine for local viewing.