OpenAthens versus Google CASA

 

Google CASA (Campus Activated Subscriber Access) can replace OpenAthens in several ways:

  1. Off-Campus Access: CASA allows users to access subscribed articles from publishers without needing to use a VPN or other authentication services. This makes it easier for users to access content from anywhere, not just on campus.
  2. Integration with Google Scholar: CASA integrates seamlessly with Google Scholar, which is a widely used academic search engine. This integration ensures that users can access subscribed articles directly from Google Scholar without needing to navigate to the publisher's website.
  3. Universal CASA: This feature extends CASA to other websites that support Universal CASA. Users can access subscribed articles from these websites by clicking on the PDF or HTML links, which are marked with a gray badge.
  4. Cookie-Based Authentication: CASA uses a cookie-based authentication system. When a user logs in to Google Scholar on campus, a CASA cookie is stored in their browser. This cookie allows them to access subscribed articles off-campus without needing to authenticate every 30 days.
  5. Long-Term Access: CASA cookies are valid for a longer period, typically 120 days, which means users can access subscribed articles without needing to authenticate every 30 days.
  6. No Need for Library Links: CASA eliminates the need for library link resolvers, which are often complex and difficult to manage. CASA simplifies the process by integrating directly with Google Scholar and publisher links.
  7. Enhanced User Experience: CASA provides a seamless user experience by allowing users to access subscribed articles directly from Google Scholar. This eliminates the need for users to navigate through multiple websites or use VPNs.
  8. Integration with Publisher Systems: CASA integrates with publisher systems to provide access to subscribed articles. This integration ensures that users can access the full-text articles without needing to log in or use a proxy.
  9. Support for Multiple Devices: CASA allows users to access subscribed articles from multiple devices, including mobile, tablet, laptop, and desktop. This makes it easy for users to access content from anywhere.
  10. Easy Opt-Out: Users can easily opt out of CASA by unchecking the "Signed-in off-campus access links" box in the Google Scholar settings page. This ensures that users have control over their access to subscribed articles.

In summary, Google CASA offers a convenient and integrated solution for accessing subscribed articles from publishers, making it a viable alternative to OpenAthens. CASA simplifies the process by integrating directly with Google Scholar and publisher links, providing a seamless user experience, and eliminating the need for library link resolvers.

Google CASA (Campus Activated Subscriber Access) and OpenAthens both facilitate access to subscribed academic content, but they operate differently. Here’s how Google CASA can replace OpenAthens in certain contexts:

  1. Seamless Access:

    • Google CASA: Allows users to access content directly through publisher links without additional logins or VPNs, using a cookie-based authentication system.
    • OpenAthens: Requires users to authenticate through a centralized login system, which can be more complex.
  2. User Experience:

    • Google CASA: Enhances user experience by providing continuous access off-campus once authenticated on-campus, simplifying the process.
    • OpenAthens: Provides secure, federated access but can be less seamless than CASA’s cookie-based system.
  3. Integration with Google Scholar:

    • Google CASA: Directly integrates with Google Scholar, enabling users to access subscribed articles easily.
    • OpenAthens: Requires navigating through institutional portals or link resolvers.

Summary

Google CASA offers a simpler, more integrated approach for off-campus access by leveraging Google Scholar and persistent cookies, potentially replacing OpenAthens for institutions seeking a streamlined user experience without compromising access security.

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