On July 14, 2024, the library moved to a new authentication service called OpenAthens. This system will allow you to sign in and access the library's digital resources.
You will sign in with your library barcode (generally affixed to the back of your VTS ID or emailed to you) and last name.
How It Works
When you try to access one of the library's digital resources, like the OneSearch catalog, or an individual database, or click on an eBook permalink, you will be redirected to the OpenAthens login screen. This prompts you to authenticate as a library user. This will occur whether you are on or off campus.
Students, faculty, staff, and off-site alumni should use the "Sign In With Your Library Account" option. Then, you will see another page where you can enter your library barcode and last name.
Once logged in, you will begin an 8-hour OpenAthens session on your browser. You should not be asked to log in again to any other digital resources until the expiration of your 8-hour session.
Visiting Researchers, Clergy, and On-Site Alumni
These user types should log in using the guest credentials posted at each public computer in the library. If using their own laptop, they should borrow a guest pass with login credentials from the library's circulation desk to use while in the building.
These guest credentials will not work outside of the library. When off-site, alumni should log in to resources licensed to them using their library barcode and last name. Visiting researchers and local clergy do not have off-site access to the library's digital resources.
Troubleshooting Problems
Our initial rollout of OpenAthens is complete. Please email paynelib@vts.edu if you experience any unexpected error messages. The most common issue experienced by library users is solved by clearing your browser's cache or cookies. Your web browser may be saving cached files or cookies based on our older authentication system, causing errors when you log in to digital resources via OpenAthens.
Instructions for clearing your browser cache and/or cookies:
Having trouble?
If you have issues logging in or forget your barcode, please email paynelib@vts.edu.