Automated Patron Authentication

The SHAREit software, currently licensed from Auto-Graphics for Illume requesting, provides multiple options for libraries interested in automated Patron Authentication such as NCIP, Ezproxy or SSO (eg. OpenAthens). 

Currently most libraries use temporary Guest patron requesting and requests submitted by Patrons are then manually authenticated by Staff. Libraries interested in Permanent patron requesting and automated patron authentication options can check-out the information below to start and please contact Illume Support for further assistance!

NCIP

Illume Support has started a pilot project for libraries interested in NCIP patron authentication and workflow, including Prince George Public Library (BPG) and the Greater Victoria Public Library (BVI). Interested in a demonstration or testing your NCIP workflow via one of our test sites? Please contact us for assistance!

With the NCIP workflow, multiple staff processes are automated against your Integrated Library System/Software (eg. SirsiDynix Symphony) including patron authentication, item holds, and brief record creation. For more information please check-out our NCIP generic workflow here [PDF] or contact us for further assistance. The NCIP functionality available will depend on your ILS system and available options, as your ILS system may not support all messaging.

Please Note: NCIP integration creates permanent patron accounts in SHAREit, stored on our Canadian servers, and we recommend interested libraries consult with local Privacy Officers regarding any privacy concerns before proceeding.

Ezproxy

Auto-Graphics currently supports Ezproxy authentication but only in conjunction with NCIP workflow. It is unknown if Ezproxy authentication can be configured without NCIP and please contact us if interested in exploring.

Please Note: Ezproxy, unlike SSO or NCIP, does not pass any patron data into SHAREit on it's own.

SSO

Auto-Graphics supports SSO or SAML authentication options, such as OpenAthens, and is currently in-progress adding MS Asure SSO integration. According to Auto-Graphics, when SSO authenticates the user their patron data (eg. username/barcode, first & last name) are used to authenticate and create a user (same as NCIP does) within SHAREit. Staff cannot “attach” staff-created requests to Patron Accounts when SSO is used, unlike with NCIP requesting.

Interested in piloting or testing set-up of an automated patron authentication method such as NCIP, Ezproxy or SSO authentication? Please contact us for assistance with configuration and access to a SHAREit test site.