Federated Identity Management for Libraries
FIM4L (Federated Identity Management for Libraries) is a library-led working group that aims to further the usage of Federated Identity Management technologies by providing guidelines for libraries on how to deploy such technologies while in the same time preserve the privacy of the users. FIM4L was initiated in the AARC project.
FIM4L is an international activity with members from at least 4 continents. The European branch has also organized as a LIBER working group. Further information on that LIBER working group can be found at https://libereurope.eu/strategy/research-infrastructures/fim4l/
FIM4L recommendations are endorsed by Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL-ABRC), Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL), LIBER, and Research Libraries UK (RLUK) members of International Alliance of Research Library Associations.
Representatives from libraries, national academic identity federations, eduGAIN, REFEDS, Internet2, and library service providers dealing with federated authentication for library services are welcome to subscribe to the FIM4L mailing list.
The mailing list is for active participation in the working group or for observing the initiative.
FIM4L aims
- to come to a consensus on library policy for federated authentication that protects users identities. This policy should help libraries and publishers and needs to be clear for account managers, license managers, etc. (those who make the deals), while also including enough technical information for IT staff.
- to seek broad support for the policy amongst libraries and publishers.
- to promote the use of uniform implementations of authentication procedures by service providers