Information about OpenAthens

OpenAthens (also known as Athens) enables Courtauld students and staff to access many online resources off-campus. These include scans of required readings, e-books, online journals and databases. Wherever you see this screen:

You need to log in with your OpenAthens username (beginning CIA…) and password.

You can then view the online resource on the providers’ platform.

Accessing Resources From Home: watch our short ‘top tips’ video

A transcript to go with our ‘Accessing Online Resources from Home’ is available here

The OpenAthens login will appear differently on each online resource. To access an online resource using OpenAthens:

Look for a login area
If there is the option to login via OpenAthens, select this option
If OpenAthens is not listed, look for Institutional Login then OpenAthens or Shibboleth
If prompted, select The Courtauld
Enter your OpenAthens username and password
OpenAthens will then redirect you back to the online resource.

For a full list of online resources you can access using your OpenAthens username and password, log in to MyAthens.

You can find more information about OpenAthens in the FAQs below. If you need assistance, contact us.

How do I get an OpenAthens username and password?

The Library registers Courtauld students at the start of your course. If you have not received a message to your Courtauld email asking you to activate your account, contact us.
I have forgotten my OpenAthens username, what should I do?

Your OpenAthens username will begin CIA… If you are unable to remember it, contact us.
I have forgotten my OpenAthens password, can I reset it? You can reset your OpenAthens password from the login screen
Can I use any password? No. For security purposes, OpenAthens requires your chosen password to meet certain criteria. Password length must be between 8 and 20 characters and contain a mix of letters and characters that are not letters. Passwords are case sensitive. Passwords cannot: be the same as the username, contain series of ascending or descending characters contain strings known by hackers to be commonly used such as ‘password’ or ‘letmein’ there are some characters that cannot be in a password For the best security, your own passwords should be difficult to guess but easy for you to remember and as lengthy as you can comfortably manage within the constraints.
I am still unable to access the online resource, what should I do? If you are unable to access the online resource check our Online resources web pages. The web page for each online resource explains how you can access it.

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