RCOT OpenAthens

What is OpenAthens?

OpenAthens is an access management platform and library authentication system. It is run by Jisc, a not-for-profit UK digital, data and technology agency focused on tertiary education, research and innovation.

OpenAthens ensures access and authentication to e-resources are managed simply, securely and effectively. It will be the key to accessing the Digital Library’s full range of subscribed content including online books, journals and databases.  

How can I log into OpenAthens?

You don’t need anything more than your RCOT member login details. You can access the Digital Library by logging into the RCOT website.

I can’t log into the RCOT website. What should I do?

Please report your login issue to our digital contact centre at [email protected].

I’ve found a resource on the internet that I think the RCOT Digital Library has. How do I access it?

Each website works in a different way so there is no one method to log into independently found resources using OpenAthens. Look for wording along the lines of ‘sign-in’, ‘login’ or ‘Access/Profile’ on the site's pages.    

The next step is normally to select ‘OpenAthens’ or 'Access through your institution’. Then search for ‘Royal College of Occupational Therapists' (or just ‘Occu’, as a shortcut). Searching RCOT doesn't always work.

The usual RCOT login page should then pop up for you to sign into using your normal RCOT member login.  

Do I have access to more resources?

You still have access to a great range of online books, journals and databases but OpenAthens doesn't come with additional resources. Our Digital Library, however, continues to grow.

Alongside the occupational therapy titles you’d expect, we've recently added e-books on topics such as:

• clinical supervision
• critical reflection
• evidence-based practice
• independent business
• managing change
• giving presentations. 

How do I access items saved to my Ebook Central bookshelf contents?

Please see information in the following link from ProQuest about accessing items saved to your bookshelf contents: Accessing items saved to your bookshelf after an authentication change

What if I already have an OpenAthens account?

Your RCOT login gives access to the resources our Digital Library subscribes to and your alternative OpenAthens account unlocks the content from that provider. OpenAthens accounts cannot be merged.

You may need to switch between accounts from time to time depending on what resources you wish to access.

When can I start using OpenAthens? 

OpenAthens is switched on. You may have already been using it without knowing! 

How does OpenAthens use my data?

See the OpenAthens privacy policy for further details