To borrow eBooks and Audiobooks, ePlatform needs to verify that the student or staff (patron) is a valid member of your library. This process is called Patron Authentication. Simply put, this process ensures that only your students and staff can access your collection.
Note: Every patron requires a login and password in order to borrow eBooks, Audiobooks, or Decodable Readers.
Patron Authentication Checklist
To ensure a smooth launch for your school, we have created a clear checklist to follow. This checklist is designed to help you navigate the authentication process to ensure every patron can access your ePlatform library and borrow eBooks or Audiobooks with ease.
| Step | Manual Method (Spreadsheet Upload) | Automated Method (SSO/SIP2/API) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine if you will use a manual method (like a spreadsheet) based on limited IT resources. | Determine if you will use an automated connection (like SSO or SIP2) for a seamless experience. |
| 2 | Prepare a spreadsheet (.xlsx) with student usernames and passwords ready for upload. | Ensure your LMS or school directory has a complete list of patron credentials ready for syncing. |
| 3 | Manually check that your data includes fields like Year Level or Date of Birth if you wish to use Age/Year Level restrictions. | Verify that your system sends the required attributes (e.g., DOB or Year Level) through the connection. |
| 4 | No technical coordination required; use the Import Patron tool in your Admin panel, or send data to support@eplatform.co. | Coordinate with IT or your LMS provider to clear ePlatform IP addresses through your firewall. |
| 5 | Log in as a student to verify successful borrowing. | Log in as a student to verify successful borrowing. |
Choosing the Right Connection Method
Selecting the right method for managing logins depends on your school's IT resources and how much of the process you wish to automate. While manual methods offer simplicity and immediate control, automated connections provide a "set and forget" experience for both staff and students.
Manual Upload (No IT Support Required)
This is the "do-it-yourself" approach. It is ideal if you want full control over your patron list without waiting on IT department schedules.
- Best for: Smaller schools, private libraries, or getting a new library live within 24 hours.
- Pros: No technical configuration or firewall changes needed. You can manually fix login issues instantly.
- Cons: You must manually update your student list at the start of each school year to ensure year levels are accurate for age restrictions.
Automated Connections (IT Support Recommended)
This approach links ePlatform to the systems your students already use every day. It requires a one-time setup with your IT department.
- Best for: Larger schools or those using Google/Office 365, where students already have many passwords to remember.
- Pros: "Set and forget." When a new student joins the school or moves up a year level in your system, the ePlatform updates automatically.
- Cons: Requires IT support to configure. If the school's server or internet goes down, logins may be temporarily affected.
How to Configure Patron Authentication
Once you have chosen your method, you can begin the configuration process. Manual methods are managed directly within your Admin console, while automated connections usually require a coordination of settings between your IT department and the ePlatform support team.
Manual Method (No IT Support Required)
You can manage your students in bulk by using the Import/Update Patrons tool to upload your data.
- Download Sample Template: Access the Import/Update Patrons screen in your Admin console to download a sample file. This ensures your data is in the correct format before you begin.
- Prepare Your Data: Add your student information to the spreadsheet. The Barcode (username) is compulsory, while fields like Name, Role, Year Level, and Date of Birth are optional.
- Set Generic Passwords: We recommend setting a generic password like "Library1" for all students to simplify their first login and reduce support requests.
- Upload and Test: Upload your completed file (.xlsx or .csv) via the tool. We recommend using 2–3 test accounts to verify that students can successfully log in and borrow titles before announcing the launch.
For one-off updates, you can use the Add Patron button on the Patrons page, or simply email your spreadsheet to support@eplatform.co and our team will upload it for you.
Automated Method (IT Support Recommended)
These methods require a one-time technical setup to "bridge" your school's existing database with the ePlatform.
- SAML Single Sign-On (SSO): This is the gold standard for modern schools using Google or Microsoft Office 365. Your IT department will need to import our metadata file and map "attributes" (data fields) so that when a student logs in, the ePlatform knows their name and year level.
- SIP2 (Library Management System): This protocol connects the ePlatform to your LMS (e.g., Accessit or Oliver). SIP2 is provided by your LMS supplier (not Wheelers), so you must contact them for credentials. Once you have the SIP2 details, our support team will need your server's IP address and port to clear them through our firewall.
- LDAP/Active Directory: We connect directly to your school’s directory server. To set this up, you will need to provide us with your server address and ensure our IP addresses are whitelisted in your school's firewall.
- LMS Specific APIs: If you use Millennium, Aurora, or Libcode, we can connect via their specific web services. These setups typically require an API Key, Secret, and Endpoint URL.
Linking your Library Management System
Setting up your logins is only half of the journey. To ensure students can find your eBooks and Audiobooks directly within your school's library management system (LMS), you need to configure your LMS integration.
Learn how to sync your collection with systems like Accessit, Softlink Oliver, Libresoft, etc, or how to download MARC Records on our dedicated integration page: LMS Integrations and MARC Records
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a student forgets their password?
If you are using a Manual Method, you can reset their password via the Patrons page. If you are using an Automated Method (like SSO), the student should follow your school's standard password recovery process as ePlatform simply mirrors your existing directory.
Can I switch from a Manual to an Automated method later?
Yes. Many schools start with a manual spreadsheet upload to get live quickly and transition to SSO or SIP2 later in the term. Contact our support team when you are ready to make the switch at support@eplatform.co
Do I need to re-upload my student list every year?
For Manual Methods, yes—we recommend a fresh upload at the start of Term 1 to ensure Year Levels are accurate for age restricting. For Automated Methods, this happens automatically as your school's database updates.