I'm glad to see this question and ensuing thread. To clarify a bit, I think the question is about migrating from IP-based access to federated identity and access management. SeamlessAccess is simply a value-added service that leverages federated authentication to provide a WAYF discovery service along with a consistent call to action that simplifies the online access experience. There are lots of benefits in migrating to federated access (better UX, enhanced user and data privacy mechanisms, SAML-based infrastructure typically using Shibboleth for better ongoing maintenance, etc.) and as mentioned in this thread, seems like lots of libraries are going with OpenAthens as a turnkey solution for federated access.
That said, IP access (using EZproxy or WAM or OA) isn't going away anytime soon. A significant number of vendors have yet to adopt federated access, plus library use cases (walk-in patrons, etc.) necessitate online access that doesn't require an affiliated user account at the institution. As Julia mentioned, we always need to be cognizant of user privacy. User privacy and personalization services/richer patron demographics sort of live on a continuum: privacy via anonymous access <-----> robust personalization services. The more attributes that are released by the institution, the more personally identifiable information is shared about a user and but the more the user experience can be personalized. It's up to the library working with their IT Dept. to figure out what works for them but do keep in mind that a user's credentials are always verified directly with their institution, not with our vendors/service providers. The service provider only receives what your institution chooses to send them. Since this is all pretty complicated and potentially confusing, SeamlessAccess has spun up a working group that will ultimately provide libraries with templates we can use in contract negotiations regarding the sharing of personally identifiable information during authentication and access. They have also created a couple of videos that describe how federated authentication works (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjvC_PUj4CI&t=2s) and about privacy, attributes, and why they're important (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xRqdc0DeJI). __________________________________ John Felts Head of Library Technology and Systems Kimbel Library / Coastal Carolina University 376 University Boulevard Conway SC 29526 843-349-5040
