web access management: the auc experience

Libraries & Learning Technologies

Web Access Management:The AUC Experience

Casey Grimmer, HeadDaniel Blucker, eResources

Research & Information Services


Web Access Management

WAM allows your library to use the Innovative Web server to forward requests to a remote server. Your library can use WAM to allow users who connect to your catalog from home to access subscription databases and control access to restricted databases. (CSdirect)


Millennium at AUC• Millennium implemented 2001• WAM implemented 2005 for off-

campus access• Panacea for users


Connections at AUC• 5,500+ faculty & students plus SCE• 100+ computers in library• Thousands of computers – wired and

wireless• LALT 101 classroom activities


Electronic Resources• 100+ databases• 19 statistical databases• 40,000+ electronic books• 60,000+ electronic journals• Primarily English, some Arabic


Number of users

+

Number of resources

=

Every increasing load on WAM


Two major issues• On- and off-campus users

authenticated on WAM – added layer for on-campus users

• All traffic routed via WAM – possible bottleneck


Unforeseen Problems – management• http://0-www.database.com.lib.aucegypt.edu/

• Add to MARC records 856 field, regular updates

• Add to ERM Resource Records• Miscellaneous links; libguides,

webpages, publicity, etc.


Unforeseen Problems – Users • Proxy slows connection & response• Proxy malfunction blocks all access• Removing proxy redirect• LALT 101 classroom instruction


Short-Term or Temporary Solution• Cold fusion script to bypass proxy

local user to http://www.databases.comremote user to http://0-www.database.com.lib.aucegypt.edu

• Partial solution– works only on website– not cataloged resources


Long-Term, Permanent Solution• EZproxy ???

– remote users redirected– single URL for all resources– LDAP authentication

• WAM authentication uses API ???• Others ???


Your Library’s Experiences ???

web access management: the auc experience

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