Following MRU Library's adoption of OpenAthens, certain databases / collections require the creation of new, database-specific accounts. Users who need these new accounts will be prompted to set one up upon their first login to the respective database via OpenAthens. The databases that will require new accounts are: 

• EBSCO
• Ebook Central (Proquest)
• ArtSTOR

What are database-specific personal accounts?

Many digital collections and databases provided by MRU Library offer customization options only available through the creation of personal accounts. Personal accounts may support your research activities by storing searches and filters, making annotations, bookmarking items and getting recommendations. Access to these personalised options requires a personal account which permits the database to retain their search and browsing history.

Following the adoption of OpenAthens authentication by the library, users who wish to keep their personal accounts, data and settings created previously are required to merge those accounts with their new OpenAthens-linked accounts. Instructions for merging accounts for specific databases are provided below.

Accessing EBSCO via OpenAthens

To use EBSCO databases through OpenAthens, you must agree to EBSCO's policy on Personal Data Retention and Usage.

Your first login via OpenAthens with your MRU credentials triggers EBSCO to receive a unique OpenAthens numeric ID associated with your login. This ID is used to establish a new My Ebscohost account linked to your login credentials.

My Ebscohost accounts enable the saving of search results and strategies without requiring additional personal information—your OpenAthens ID suffices for accessing EBSCO's digital content.

Adding Personal Details to EBSCO Account

Optionally, after logging in through OpenAthens, you may add your name and email to your EBSCO account via the Sign in or Update My Account link found in any EBSCO database. EBSCO and MRU Library do not share this information.

Merging Ebscohost Accounts

For those who had an EBSCO account prior to OpenAthens and wish to consolidate their accounts EBSCO offers an account merging feature.

To merge accounts:

• Select Update My Account on any EBSCO page, then find and click Merge Accounts.
• Click Get Started, and log in with your old account credentials.
• Complete the steps to integrate your old account with your new My Ebscohost account.
• An email will confirm the completion of the merge.

For details on EBSCO's data policies, refer to its privacy policy.

Accessing ProQuest Ebook Central with OpenAthens

Upon your first login to ProQuest Ebook Central via OpenAthens, you'll receive a unique OpenAthens numeric ID linked to your MRU credentials. This ID facilitates the creation of a new Ebook Central account directly connected to your MRU login.

Transitioning Your Old Bookshelf?

For users with an existing Ebook Central account and bookshelf before switching to OpenAthens, there's an option to merge your previous bookshelf with the new OpenAthens-created account. Guidance on merging bookshelves is provided in the ProQuest bookshelf instructions.

Having an Ebook Central account allows you to:

• Download entire books for a limited duration, subject to publisher limitations
• Annotate texts
• Develop a personal bookshelf
• Monitor downloads, loans, and saved titles

Further details about using your bookshelf are available.

Connecting to Artstor via OpenAthens

When you first access Artstor using OpenAthens, you'll be prompted to either link an existing account or to create a new one.

Artstor associates your distinct OpenAthens numeric ID with your Artstor account, simplifying future access by logging in through OpenAthens.

Your personal Artstor account allows you to:

• save images to folders
• share folders with other Artstor users
• download images

More information on Artstor's approach to privacy,