What is OpenAthens? Why do I sometimes see an OpenAthens login for library resources?
22 views | Last updated on Jul 29, 2026
OpenAthens is the authentication system used by UMKC University Libraries for access to research resources and services.
Logging in with OpenAthens happens in the background, so it should feel like logging into any other UMKC service. You will be prompted to enter your UM System username and password when you click on links to online content, including databases, ebooks, journals, and articles.
Multi-affiliated users
If you are affiliated with more than one UM System campus, you may need to select your institutional affiliation from an OpenAthens page before reaching the resource you selected. Choose “University of Missouri-Kansas City” to log in as a UMKC user and gain access to UMKC Libraries-licensed resources. If you are navigating to online content from your other institution's website, databases, or saved or shared links, you will need to choose that affiliation to successfully access the resource. Log out or begin a new browser session to change institutions.
