Connecting to Library Resources with OpenAthens

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) allows you to access online library resources—such as journal articles and research databases—even when off-campus. This is made possible through a proxy service, which connects you to the library system as if you were on campus.

Citation managers like Zotero and Mendeley simplify this process. Their browser extensions can automatically detect and use TRU’s OpenAthens proxy. Once you access a resource through the proxy, your citation manager will remember it and continue using the proxy for future visits to that site.

Zotero Connector and OpenAthens

If you're using Zotero, the Zotero Connector browser extension handles proxy settings automatically—no manual setup required. However, if you're having trouble accessing resources or want to adjust how the proxy feature works, you can do so in the Connector’s settings.

Having Trouble? Try These Steps

If Zotero isn’t saving items correctly when using OpenAthens, try these steps:

1. Clear your browser history and cache. Old data (like from EZproxy) can interfere with OpenAthens. Clearing your cache can help Zotero detect the correct proxy.
2. Check Zotero Connector settings.
   • Right-click the Zotero icon in your browser toolbar.
   • Select Preferences or Options.
   • Go to the Proxies tab.
   • If you see outdated entries (e.g., EZproxy) in the Configured Proxies box, select them and click the minus (–) button to remove them.
3. After making changes, close and reopen your browser, then try saving the item again.

Read more in the Zotero Connector guide and support documentation.

Mendeley Web Importer and OpenAthens

The Mendeley Web Importer is a browser extension that allows you to quickly save references and full-text PDFs to your Mendeley library. The tool has recently been redesigned and now requires cookie access to function properly. Unlike Zotero, Mendeley has more limited access to settings, so troubleshooting may differ slightly.

Having Trouble? Try These Steps:

1. Clear Your Browser Cache and History
   • Cached data—especially from services like EZproxy—can interfere with authentication systems like OpenAthens. Clearing your cache may help the Web Importer detect the correct proxy settings.
2. Enable Cookies for Mendeley
   • Make sure cookies are enabled for the following domains:
   • brtx.mendeley.com
   • id.elsevier.com
   • You can find browser-specific instructions here. After enabling cookies, restart your browser and try using the Web Importer again.
3. Reinstall the Web Importer and Reset Mendeley
   • If the above steps don’t resolve the issue:
     • Remove and reinstall the Mendeley Web Importer extension.
     • Open the Mendeley desktop app and go to Help > Reset Mendeley.
   • Caution: Resetting will restore your library from the cloud. Any unsynced changes—such as recent additions or setting modifications—will be lost. Make sure to sync your library before proceeding.

Read more in the Web Importer guide and support documentation.

Still Need Help?

If it’s still not working, let us know! We are happy to help!

What is MyEBSCO?

A MyEBSCO account is a personal account you can use to save and organize your research when using EBSCO's online library tools like TRU Library's Discover Search and any of our EBSCO databases. It lets you:

• Save searches, articles, and eBooks.

• Create folders to keep your research organized.

• Access resources from the TRU library.

Think of it as your toolkit for research projects!

OpenAthens and MyEBSCO

As of May 2025,  MyEBSCO personal accounts are automatically created using TRU credentials. If you already have a MyEBSCO account, this means you will have two accounts: the new one linked to your TRU credentials and your existing one. You can choose to use the new account or merge it with your existing account to retain all the information you’ve previously stored.

Merging MyEBSCO Accounts

To merge your accounts:

1. Visit TRU Library's Discovery Search and click on the MyEBSCO button in the top right corner of the screen, and log in using the credentials you used to first set up the account.
2. Click the Update My Account link in the top toolbar. Note: For security purposes, you will be required to sign in again.
3. Click the Get Started button for the EBSCO Merge Accounts option at the bottom of the page.
4. Click the Sign in to your second account button with the credentials for the account that has the data you wish to merge into the account you have already logged into.
5. Enter your TRU credentials (email address and password used for TRU email, Moodle, etc.).
6. Confirm the accounts you are merging are correct, and click the Merge Account Data button.
7. Click Continue to confirm you wish to continue with the merge of your accounts. Note: Once you click to merge accounts, this action cannot be undone.
8. If your account is associated with a deliverable email address, you will receive an email when your accounts have been successfully merged.

For more information, including screenshots and troubleshooting, please visit EBSCO Connect's help article.