CURRENT FUNCTIONALITY:
In the OpenAthens resource catalogue redirector settings include: redirectable flags, target domains and link path(s). These settings are managed centrally by JISC and/or the federated Service Provider.
Only federated OR proxy resource(s) can be configured as redirectable. This means it is not possible to use the 'redirector' prefix on ALL OpenAthens links OR resource types.
The Redirector has fixed logic to use the 'federated' resource (over proxy authentication) if both authentication types are 'redirectable' i.e. have redirector link paths for the SAME target domain(s).
Administrators can configure Custom SAML resources. However, they are unable to make them redirectable. They cannot add target domains, link path(s) or set the 'redirectable' flag. It is not possible to make a Custom SAML vendor redirectable even if the vendor HAS a WAYFLess deep-link syntax. This can be challenging to maintain links on library website(s) as not all third-party systems support multiple "proxy" settings. Librarians need to maintain two links if the vendor supports BOTH IP and SAML authentication.
DESIRED FUNCTIONALITY:
Add configurable settings to Custom SAML resources (maintained by the library admin):
Set redirector link path (WAYFLess deep-link syntax)
Set redirectable target domains (e.g. kanopy.com)
Enable/Disable 'Redirectable' flag
JISC would update the logic of HOW the redirector chooses the authentication type for each target domain. Either:
Update the fixed 'preferred authentication' order (as per current functionality) to include SAML: FEDERATED, then SAML (when available), then PROXY, OR
See IDP-I-59. Let the admin override the 'global' redirector settings and set their preferred authentication method for the target domain (Federated, SAML or Proxy)
The latter would provide more flexibility where clients may need to override global settings in other ways (e.g. if the vendor could not set up federated access).
BENEFITS
ONE link prefix for all resource types - simplifying how links are updated on library & third-party SaaS/discovery/OPAC websites
ONE link to provide onsite/remote access (when the vendor supports both)
FLEXIBLE configuration options. Keep the benefit of the global the knowledgebase BUT allow the library to override 'best practice' settings if necessary to support local requirements
