Authentication Focus Group reports

Abstract

At the September IGelU meeting, Ex Libris announced plans to move toward use of external-only password management in Alma. This shift in password management affects customers’ ability to create patron and staff accounts where the password is stored within Alma. A joint ELUNA/IGeLU External Authentication Focus Group (AFG) was formed to work with Ex Libris to determine the best course forward.

As a first step, the Focus Group developed a survey in collaboration with Ex Libris staff. The purpose of this survey was to assess how each Alma institution is using password control within Alma and determine the degree of impact a move to external-only authentication would have on your specific institution.

The AFG used the survey results to present a series of recommendations to Ex Libris around the move to external-only passwords in Alma. A brief version of the report and a full version (with survey data) are included.