We Have Outgrown IP Authentication

Ananya Madiraju

Thomas Dowling (2020). We Have Outgrown IP Authentication, Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship, 32:1, 39-46, DOI: 10.1080/1941126X.2019.1709738

Summary:

    In his article, Dowling explains the downsides to user authentications in libraries that have proved to be inhibiting to librarians, faculty, and library users. While IP addresses work well for those on0site, its proves difficult for others who need to access e-resources but aren't able to because of location. Dowling examines the history of user authentication and how the IP protocol has changed over the past three decades. The same standards that worked then, no longer work now. Yet, scores of libraries haven't updated their IP systems and instead depend on proxies, which also have their downsides. In order to address this issue, many institutions over the years have added additional campuses and additional networks. Offering a solution, Dowling suggests allowing users to sign in through a third party verification sites (i.e. Google or Facebook) or implement RA21 codes. This would allow libraries to provide a login service with the account data they already have and confirms the identity of the patron while still protecting their personal information.

Evaluation:

This was an incredibly information article because user authentication has been frustrating for many lately, and especially because of COVID-19 where network access was severely limited if not completely defunct for those not near campuses/institutions. This article would be helpful to others looking to reimagine their current IP authentication system. Dowling mentions several ways libraries can combat issues and confidently states that the 2020s will have the first major user authentication changes and improvements since the 1990s.