Q. How do I access online library databases as an alumnus?

As an Alumnus, you have off-campus access to the Business Source Alumni Edition research database and TeachingBooks. To log in to these databases, you will need an ISU OpenAthens Alumni Account.

Access to these resources is provided through a service called OpenAthens. You might see this name or their logo on communications regarding your account. Milner Library staff manage your account through OpenAthens.

• To request your ISU OpenAthens Alumni Account, you will first need to submit the Request to Access Milner's Alumni Database form. Once your alumni status is verified and your account is created, you will receive an email noreply@openathens.net asking you to activate your ISU OpenAthens Alumni Account.
• Please check your spam folder if you do not see email from noreply@openathens.net in your inbox.
• Your username will be included in the email. You must activate your account before signing in to access the Business Source Alumni Edition database and TeachingBooks
• After activating your account, navigate to this page to access the Business Source Alumni Edition database and TeachingBooks: https://library.illinoisstate.edu/services/circulation/alumni-privileges/
• After choosing the link to the resource you’d like to access, sign in with the option: Log in with your Alumni or Guest Account.

The ISU OpenAthens Alumni Account only works to access the database Business Source Alumni Edition and TeachingBooks.

Alumni do not have access to Milner Library's suite of databases on the Databases A-Z list, or electronic resources in the Milner Catalog that require a login to access, via the Alumni Account.

If you want to access databases on the Databases A-Z list or electronic resources in the Milner Catalog that require a login to access, please visit Milner Library and ask for a guest login at the Service Desk on the right as you enter. You can use this login at one of the three guest computers for up to two hours a day. 

See the Guest Computer Use Procedures to learn more about the guest login process. 

If you have questions about how to get an ISU OpenAthens Alumni Account, please ask Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586 or alumni@IllinoisState.edu.