Please note: the way that you sign in to Library e-resources is changing. Read about how this will affect you

What is Athens?

Athens is an authentication system used to provide access to electronic resources when off-campus or using your own device. At UEA we use a single login system which allows you to use your network username and password when logging in to subscription databases and online articles. 

Using the Athens cookie

How to pick up the Athens cookie and how to access online articles off campus.

Alternative method

There is an alternative method if you've been having problems with the cookie. This method uses the Athens SLI Authentication Gateway, which is accessed from https://spot.uea.ac.uk/athens/

Watch this video for step by step instructions. Or read the step by step instructions and screenshots below - but remember different online articles may have slightly different routes for authentication.
 

Stage 1: Confirming you are from UEA

1. Go to https://spot.uea.ac.uk/athens

2. Log in using your UEA username and password (Tip: You will need to do this step again for every session, but not necessarily for every e-resource).



3. Your user name and password are confirmed. Ensure you leave this tab open. Open a new tab to begin searching.
 

Stage 2: Searching for the resource

1. In the new tab, go to a UEA search tool. In this example, we'll use Primo OneSearch, but this method will work with MetaLib or even individual databases.



2. When you find the book or e-resource you want, click on 'Online Resource'.



3. You will then be taken to the Login page for the e-resource, in this case the 'MyiLibrary' page for the e-book. It is important to look for a link which may be called "Athens authentication" or "Athens login". 
 

Stage 3. Access to the full text

1. You'll be re-directed to the full text. 

Here's another example: online article (starting at stage 2).

Stage 2: Searching for the resource

 
1. Having searched for the article, click on online resource to access it.


2.In this example, we are directed straight to the online article, but we are not recognised as UEA user. Again, look for a link which may be called "Athens authentication" or "Athens link".


3. In this e-journal, we are directed to a page where we again select the Athens link


4. Having clicked the Athens link, our credentials are automatically checked and confirmed.

Stage 3: Access to the full text

1. You will be re-directed to the journal page, where you will be able to access the full text.

Problems accessing online resources?

Try our Frequently asked questions. If this does not solve your problem, please complete the Electronic resource access queries form.

Contact:

Library Helpdesk : extension 2993 (external callers: 01603 592993) Contact Helpdesk 
Electronic resource access queries