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Help Center

Authentication and Access Options

Patron authentication is how ePlatform confirms that a student or staff member is a valid member of your library. Patrons must be authenticated before they can borrow eBooks, Audiobooks, or Decodable Readers.

Your library can use manually managed patron accounts or connect ePlatform to an existing authentication system.

Authentication options

Method How it works Setup
Manual authentication Patron accounts and login details are created and maintained directly in ePlatform. Managed by library staff from the ePlatform Admin area.
Single Sign-On Patrons use their existing school or organisation credentials to sign in to ePlatform. Requires coordination between your IT team and ePlatform Support.
LDAP Patrons sign in using credentials from your organisation’s directory service. Requires directory details and firewall configuration.
SIP2 Patrons sign in using credentials held by your Library Management System. Requires SIP2 details from your library-system supplier and firewall configuration.
Library system API ePlatform connects to a supported library system through its web services. Typically requires an API key, secret, and endpoint URL.

Manual authentication

Manual authentication gives library staff direct control over patron accounts. It does not require a technical integration or changes to your school’s network.

Patrons can be added individually or imported in bulk using a spreadsheet. For bulk imports, go to:

Admin area → Patrons → Import / Update Patrons

The patron’s barcode or username is required. Other information, including name, role, year level, and date of birth, can also be included.

Year-level or date-of-birth information is required if your library wants to apply content restrictions using those details.

Single Sign-On

Single Sign-On allows patrons to access ePlatform using credentials they already use with your school or organisation.

Supported approaches can include services such as:

  • Microsoft Azure;
  • ADFS or another SAML provider;
  • Google;
  • MyLogin;
  • OneLogin; and
  • OpenAthens.

SSO setup normally requires your IT team to configure the connection and provide the user attributes ePlatform needs, such as a patron identifier, name, or year level.

Provider-specific instructions belong in the Single Sign-On (SSO) section of the Help Center.

LDAP

LDAP authentication allows patrons to sign in using their standard network credentials. It is commonly used by schools, tertiary institutions, and other organisations with an existing directory server.

LDAP setup requires your server details and may require ePlatform IP addresses to be allowed through your organisation’s firewall.

SIP2

SIP2 allows patrons to sign in using credentials stored in your Library Management System.

SIP2 access is supplied by your Library Management System provider. Contact your provider to obtain the required connection details before beginning the ePlatform setup.

The connection may also require firewall configuration using the supplied server address and port.

Library system APIs

Some Library Management Systems can connect to ePlatform through their own web services or APIs. The repository currently identifies integrations for systems including Millennium, Aurora, and Libcode.

These connections typically require:

  • an API key;
  • an API secret; and
  • an endpoint URL.

Library-system connections are covered in the Library Management Systems (LMS) & MARC Records section.

Choosing an authentication option

Manual authentication may be suitable when:

  • you want library staff to manage accounts directly;
  • you have limited access to IT support;
  • you need to get your library ready quickly; or
  • you are comfortable updating patron records when required.

Automated authentication may be suitable when:

  • patrons already have school or organisation credentials;
  • your school uses Google, Microsoft, or another supported identity provider;
  • your Library Management System supports SIP2 or an API connection; or
  • your IT team can assist with the initial configuration.

Testing authentication

Test the selected authentication method before sharing ePlatform with your wider school community.

  1. Prepare two or three test patron accounts.
  2. Open your library’s ePlatform sign-in page.
  3. Sign in using each test account.
  4. Confirm that the patron reaches the correct library.
  5. Borrow an available eBook or Audiobook.
  6. Open the title and confirm that reading or playback begins.

Need help choosing or configuring authentication?

Every organisation’s authentication environment is different. If you need help selecting or configuring an option, submit a support request or email support@eplatform.co.

Include your library name, the authentication method you want to use, and the name of your identity provider or Library Management System.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell which sign-in method my school uses?

Review the sign-in options shown on your school’s ePlatform login page and the instructions provided to students. If you are unsure how the portal is configured, contact your school’s ePlatform administrator or ePlatform Support before changing patron accounts or authentication settings.