Description:
A customer requested improved guidance within the OpenAthens “Create Links” tool when users attempt to generate redirector links for non-redirectable resources.
Public OA Link Generator:
https://go.openathens.net/generate/
Currently, when a user submits a non-compatible URL (such as resources using custom SAML integrations or other vendors that require direct/site-specific links), the tool displays the following message:
“We can't generate an OpenAthens link from this link.”
While the current message indicates that the URL cannot be processed, the customer feels additional guidance would improve the user experience and reduce confusion.
Requested Enhancement:
The customer would like the tool to provide more informative messaging for known non-redirectable vendors/resources. Suggested improvements include:
Identifying resources/vendors that are not compatible with the redirector generator.
Explaining that these resources must use vendor-specific direct links and function as-is without redirector processing.
Providing next steps or guidance when link generation fails.
Optionally including contact information or support references for the selected organization/vendor when applicable.
Customer Feedback:
“Regarding the ‘create links tool’ and the not redirectable resources: I went to see what happens when you try to use the tool for them and you get a ‘We can't generate an OpenAthens link from this link,’ so it's at least obvious that something else has to happen. Maybe this is an opportunity for an enhancement request. It would be helpful if you could register the non-redirectable ones in some way that explained they function as-is. Or at least include contact information for someone at the organizations selected when it can't create a link.”
Business Impact:
Improved messaging would help reduce customer confusion, minimize support inquiries related to unsupported redirector links, and provide clearer guidance for managing vendor-specific access workflows.
