Shorter Proxy
Quickly access resources off-campus through the Shorter University proxy.
Proxy Bookmarklet
Whenever you are on a site that requires licensed access, click on the "Shorter proxy" bookmarklet. You will be asked to login, and then redirected to the "proxified" version of the site.
What is OpenAthens?
Think of OpenAthens as your digital key to Shorter University’s academic resources. It gives students, staff, and faculty secure, off-campus access to licensed databases, journals, and more—no special software or campus connection required. Just log in with your Shorter credentials, and you're ready to go.
Why use OpenAthens?
Due to licensing agreements with publishers, most of Shorter University’s online academic content is limited to authorized users. OpenAthens bridges the gap by verifying your identity and granting access from anywhere, without requiring you to connect through the university’s internal network.
What’s the difference between EZproxy, OpenAthens, and VPN?
When comparing EZproxy, OpenAthens, and VPN, it’s helpful to think about what each tool is designed to do. VPNs are great for full network access, allowing staff and faculty to use internal tools as if they were on campus. EZproxy and OpenAthens, however, are designed specifically for accessing library and academic resources. OpenAthens improves on EZproxy by using modern identity-based access instead of relying on IP ranges, making it easier to manage access permissions across different publishers and platforms.