Background

1. How does Alma authenticate patrons (please read entire page for a complete overview)

   1. https://knowledge.exlibrisgroup.com/Alma/Product_Materials/050Alma_FAQs/User_Management/Authentication

2. Overview of user management in Alma

   1. https://developers.exlibrisgroup.com/alma/integrations/user-management

3. Supported schema

   1. https://developers.exlibrisgroup.com/alma/integrations/user-management/authentication

Next steps for libraries

1. Determine matching ID
   Libraries should meet meet with campus IT staff to discuss any questions and identify a unique attribute needed for Alma authorization. Suggested attendees:

   1. Library contact: library person who knows the unique IDs stored in the ILS 

   2. Server administrator contact: campus IT staff responsible for authentication (will know unique identifiers)

   3. User management administration contact: campus IT person who will code the patron extracts from the Student Information System (SIS) and the Staff Information/HR System (SIS) as the patron update will need to send the unique ID to Alma via the patron update process

2. Complete the Authentication form

   1. General tab: see a) for descriptions of the contacts

   2. Authentication system tab:  Complete one for each system which must be connected.  Tabs may be duplicated.

   3. Return completed form to Onboarding Manager (related support case to be opened during Implementation phase)

3. Timeline (for campus IT planning)
   Authentication configuration will occur during the implementation phase after production environment delivery of the test load.  Patron extracts/updates (SIS) should be tested during authorization stage of authentication.

Training Videos

LDAP Authentication - 3 min

SAML-Based User Authentication - 3 min

Authentication Presentation Slides from Ex Libris

Authentication Form