LibGuides: Library Electronic Resources Help Guide: OpenAthens FAQ

Why OpenAthens?

The library uses a proxy service to authenticate users. This allows the resource to identify you as an authorized user and grants you access to Oakton’s online library resources. The library previously used EZproxy, but recently transitioned to OpenAthens for authentication. This change improves user privacy and access, and library staff workflows.

What does this mean for Oakton users?

This change means Oakton users will have a new login page which prompts them to choose a login option. It also means that some resources no longer require Oakton credit students and employees to use their library card number as a login. Please contact the library's Electronic Resources staff with any questions.

Attention Faculty: This also means that some URLs for library resources have been updated. URLs using EZproxy will no longer work in FY25. Please contact the library's Electronic Resources staff for assistance with updating URLs in D2L or instructional materials.

Current Students, Staff, and Faculty Login Instructions

Credit students and employees should choose the “Oakton College Users” option (screenshot below) and login through myOakton to access library databases.

Non-credit students and district residents, please see below for further information about your access.

District Resident and Non-Credit Student Login Instructions

District residents and noncredit students have access to select online library resources with an OpenAthens account when off campus. To receive an OpenAthens account, patrons must have an Oakton Library card. See the library's Get a Library Card/Owl ID webpage (opens in a new window) to learn how to request a library card.

Resources Available to Community Users Off Campus

eRead Illinois This link opens in a new window
Search the eRead Illinois collection of over 24,000 e-books. They can be accessed on your device or computer with the Boundless app.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: eRead Illinois user accounts were updated in August 2023. If you are missing checkouts, holds, or checkout history from your old account and would like them restored, please contact Rebecca Eaton at reaton@oakton.edu for assistance.
OverDrive - NILRC This link opens in a new window
Borrow e-books and audio-books through the NILRC OverDrive Consortium collection. To download and learn how to use OverDrive's mobile app, Libby, see the Libby app site.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Oakton will retire the OverDrive website from the A-Z list in May 2024. Patrons should begin using its replacement Libby at their earliest convenience.
Transparent Language Online This link opens in a new window
Transparent Language Online combines courses, supplemental vocabulary, extensive grammar resources, and mobile apps, for over 110 languages, including English for speakers of over 30 languages.
Login directions below:
Follow these steps to get to the "Sign Up" form to set up your Transparent Language Online account:

1. Click on the Oakton Library link for Transparent Language Online.
2. Use your myOakton username and password to login.
3. On Oakton's Transparent Languages Online landing page, click on "Sign Up."
4. Fill in the "Sign Up" form to create your unique account.

You only need to use “Sign Up” once to create your Transparent Languages Online account. After that, use the "Log In" tab to access your account using your Transparent Language Online username and password.
Click here for the Transparent Language Online mobile apps
LearningExpress PrepStep for Colleges This link opens in a new window
Practice tests and computer basics. LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges: Core Math, Science, English, Computer, and College Success Skills; High School Equivalency, Placement, and ACT-SAT; Test Preparation; Career Preparation; Recursos Para Hispanohablantes.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - ACT® and SAT® Test Preparation This link opens in a new window
Resources to help you reach your target scores on these important exams. Includes finder tools for schools and scholarships.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - Career Preparation This link opens in a new window
Prepare for a career exam, explore occupations, and improve your workplace skills. Includes exam preparation resources for Allied Health, Social Work, Civil Service, Emergency Medical Services, Firefighting, Law Enforcement, Nursing, TOEIC®, Teaching, and WorkKeys®.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - College Success Skills This link opens in a new window
Tools for navigating campus, your courses, and life.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - Computer Skills Center This link opens in a new window
Video courses to learn popular software and computer basics.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - Core English Skills This link opens in a new window
Strengthen your reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary skills.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - Core Math and Science Skills This link opens in a new window
Build your skills in these essential subject areas: Developmental Math, Algebra, Geometry, Introductory Statistics & Probability, Pre-Calculus & Calculus, and Science.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - High School Equivalency Center This link opens in a new window
Provides practice tests, tutorials, eBooks, & flashcards to help you earn your high school equivalency credential. Check the information provided here to see what test is required in this state.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - Placement Test Preparation This link opens in a new window
Resources to prep for the ACCUPLACER, ASSET, CLEP, DSST, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and State Placement Tests.
LearningExpress PrepSTEP for Colleges - Recursos Para Hispanohablantes This link opens in a new window
En Español. Mejore sus habilidades escritas, orales y gramaticales; sea mejor lector; desarrolle sus habilidades matemáticas; prepárese para el examen de GED®; y sea ciudadano estadounidense. (Improve your written, oral and grammar skills; become a better reader; develop your math skills; prepare for the GED® test; and become a US citizen.)

Login Instructions

Once you have a library card, you should soon after receive an activation email for your OpenAthens account. Use the directions and link in the email to activate your account and set a password. Retain this email for your records because it contains your username.

To login to the resources listed above, choose “Oakton Community Users” (screenshot below) and login with the OpenAthens username provided in your activation email, and the password you set. Please note, this is separate from your Oakton catalog login.

If you need to reset your password, click the “Problems signing in?” hyperlink on the login page (screenshot below). You will need to provide your email address or username to reset it. If you need further assistance, please contact the library’s Electronic Resources staff.

Please note: all district residents and non-credit students have full access to all library resources when on campus.