Unlocking the RCOT Digital Library – the new, flexible way to access our suite of resources

Is there anything I need to do now?

If you have any saved searches, bookmarks or notes saved in our online book, journal or database platforms you may wish to download these. They may no longer be available after the move. 

For users of ProQuest Ebook Central, please see the advice below.

How do I save my ProQuest Ebook Central bookshelf contents before the move to OpenAthens?

Please see information in the following link from ProQuest about saving your bookshelf contents:

https://support.proquest.com/s/article/How-to-save-your-bookshelf-contents-before-an-authentication-change?language=en_US  

How do I access items saved to my Ebook Central bookshelf contents after the move to OpenAthens?

Please see information in the following link from ProQuest about accessing items saved to your bookshelf contents:

https://support.proquest.com/s/article/How-do-I-access-items-saved-to-my-bookshelf-after-an-authentication-change?language=en_US    

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 here: https://www.rcot.co.uk/having-login-issues.

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.  

Will I have access to more resources?

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

What if I already have an OpenAthens account?

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

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.

When can I start using OpenAthens? 

OpenAthens is now 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 https://www.openathens.net/privacy/