Day three session descriptions

Piracy websites and research integrity concerns

A growing number of researchers from different countries regularly access websites with unlawfully uploaded content for use in their research and publications. Pirate websites such as SciHub, Library Genesis and Anna’s Archive have no incentive to ensure the accuracy of research content, do not themselves curate for research integrity, and do not incorporate retraction information from publishers. Despite a number of government warnings, researchers are often unaware of the impact on their research and how their credentials may be used by these pirate sites for fraudulent purposes. This presentation will outline the key risks to researchers, some solutions, and next steps for librarians and publishers.

Mark Seeley, executive chair of the Scholarly Networks Security Initiative (SNSI)

OpenAthens session: What to expect from our customer success team

Customer experience has become one of the top business priorities. Unique and personal customer service helps to build connections and improves customer satisfaction. While companies around the world work on a more approachable service, OpenAthens continues to lead the way with one of its most recognizable strengths; delivering a great customer experience. Join this session to find out more about some of the initiatives we’ve been working on to put our customers first and center.

Matt Olive, customer services manager, OpenAthens

Extending the Reach of OpenAthens: Leveraging Library Technology for Non-Traditional Applications

This session redefines the role of libraries by showcasing how OpenAthens can manage non-traditional resources like Zoom, Panopto, and Grammarly, with the library itself taking ownership of setup, statistics, and technical maintenance. Discover how this approach enables libraries to serve as a central hub for institutional technology, offering responsive support during critical moments, such as providing usage data to the provost’s office or troubleshooting Zoom during a research symposium. Learn how proactive integration—like provisioning Zoom in OpenAthens before the pandemic—allowed the library to deliver timely insights on usage trends and adapt to emerging challenges. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to leverage library expertise and technology leadership in transforming institutional workflows.

Russell Michalak, Goldey-Beacom College

Discussion sessions

Join an interactive discussion group where you’ll get the chance to talk through any challenges, or ideas.
The purpose of the discussion groups is to encourage conversations around key topic areas, share experiences and any challenges or opportunities. Topics include:
Security and user privacy, Artificial Intelligence, Library data analytics and reporting, User experience and accessibility, Community of practice: troubleshooting challenges for library customers, Vendor adoption and onboarding for new library customers, How to make full use of our product for librarians, How to make full use of our product for publishers. There will also be some region and language specific sessions.

How OpenAthens supports lifelong learning and empowers communities

In this case study, Auburn University will explain how they are using OpenAthens to extend secure access to their library resources to different user groups. At it’s core, the library’s key function is to support the learning needs of students. But the library’s impact extends far beyond that to alumni, walk-ins and community outreach.
Our speakers will demonstrate the value and impact of their library through real-life examples, user feedback and usage stats. They will explain how this approach helps to support lifelong learning and enrich wider society. The case study will cover how to start an outreach project, common pitfalls, solutions, benefits, wider impact and future plans.

Clint Bellanger, senior software developer, Auburn University Libraries

Rebekah Lahue, MSLS library associate II – acquisitions specialist, Auburn University Libraries