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Choosing Between Manual and Automated Authentication

ePlatform supports both manually managed patron accounts and automated authentication connections. The right option depends on your existing systems, access to IT support, and how you want to maintain patron information.

Compare the methods

Consideration Manual authentication Automated authentication
How patrons sign in Using login details managed directly in ePlatform. Using credentials from a connected school, organisation, or library system.
Account setup Add patrons individually or import them using a spreadsheet. Configure an SSO, LDAP, SIP2, or supported API connection.
IT involvement No technical integration or firewall configuration is required. Technical assistance is normally required during setup.
Ongoing maintenance Library staff update accounts, passwords, and patron information. Patron information is provided through the connected system.
System requirements A spreadsheet can be used to import patron information in bulk. Requires a compatible identity provider, directory, or Library Management System.

Manual authentication

With manual authentication, patron accounts are created and maintained directly in ePlatform. You can add patrons individually or import multiple accounts using an Excel or CSV file.

Manual authentication may be suitable if:

  • you want direct control over patron accounts and login details;
  • you do not have access to IT support;
  • you need to prepare your library without waiting for an integration;
  • your school has a smaller number of patrons; or
  • you are comfortable updating patron information when required.

To import or update accounts, go to:

Admin area → Patrons → Import / Update Patrons

Manual patron records must be reviewed and updated when students join, leave, or move to a different year level.

Automated authentication

Automated authentication connects ePlatform to a system your patrons already use. Depending on your organisation, this may be:

  • Single Sign-On using Google, Microsoft, SAML, or another supported provider;
  • LDAP or Active Directory;
  • SIP2 through a Library Management System; or
  • a supported Library Management System API.

Automated authentication may be suitable if:

  • patrons already use school or organisation credentials;
  • you want to avoid issuing separate ePlatform login details;
  • your school has a larger number of patrons;
  • your existing system holds the patron information ePlatform requires; or
  • your IT team can assist with configuration and testing.

Automated connections normally require coordination between your IT team, system provider, and ePlatform Support.

Patron information

Before configuring an automated connection, confirm which patron information your existing system can provide.

If you plan to restrict titles by age or year level, the connection must provide the relevant date-of-birth or year-level information.

Questions to consider

Before choosing an authentication method, consider:

  1. Do patrons already have suitable credentials?
    If they already use Google, Microsoft, a directory service, or library-system credentials, an automated option may be available.
  2. Can your IT team assist?
    SSO, LDAP, SIP2, and API connections normally require technical assistance during setup.
  3. Who will maintain patron information?
    With manual authentication, library staff are responsible for updating patron accounts and details.
  4. Do you need age or year-level restrictions?
    Make sure the selected method provides accurate year-level or date-of-birth information.
  5. How quickly do you need to launch?
    A manual patron import can be completed without waiting for a technical integration.

Changing authentication methods

You can begin with manually managed patron accounts and move to an automated authentication method later.

Contact ePlatform Support before changing methods so the new connection can be configured and tested against your existing patron records.

Need help choosing?

If you are unsure which method is appropriate, submit a support request or email support@eplatform.co.

Include your library name and details of any identity provider, directory service, or Library Management System currently used by your organisation.