Companies using EZproxy

EZproxy is a web server software and a significant technology used predominantly in the library environment. It functions as a reverse proxy, serving as an intermediary between library users and digital resources such as online journals, databases, and e-books. These could include academic resources such as Scopus, PubMed, or Web of Science.

One of the main functions of EZproxy is to provide secure and authenticated access to these electronic resources, all while ensuring privacy protection for its users. It achieves this by re-writing the URLs of these resources, leading users through the EZproxy server, which verifies their credentials before granting access to the database in question.

When the library's patrons try to access a subscription-based or licensed educational resource from outside the library's network, the EZproxy software checks whether they are authenticated users. This is typically determined based on the user credentials in the library's management system or an associated institution's Student Information System (SIS). If authentication is successful, EZproxy then provides access to the resource, managing the session to ensure it remains secure and restricted to the authenticated user. This process is generally transparent to the user.

In addition to managing user authentication, EZproxy also serves to protect privacy, making the user's IP address hidden from the database provider, and thus ensuring that their online activity is not exposed.

By acting as the intermediary, EZproxy enables libraries to extend their digital services to remote users such as distance learning students or research scholars who need access beyond the library's physical premises. The benefits are twofold: libraries can leverage their digital offerings, and users can take advantage of a wider array of resources from any location.

For service providers and publishers, EZproxy provides a standard and secure means of access control. Instead of developing and managing separate login systems for hundreds of library networks, they can rely on the EZproxy software to handle authentication, thus reducing complexity and ensuring consistent access policies.

In summary, EZproxy is a crucial piece of technology that enables libraries to serve their patrons better by facilitating secure, authenticated access to electronic resources, protecting user privacy, and expanding the resource availability to a wider user base across multiple locations.