Setting Up Student Logins
Purpose
To enable students to log in to Reading Cloud.
Covers: Standard login setup; SSO setup and linking with identity providers.
This section does not cover: Importing students.
When to Do This
After students are in the system and records have been verified.
Instructions
Borrower logon credentials can be set in several ways. The system includes a Password Manager, the details can be imported via CSV, or you can connect to an existing Identifier Provider and use SSO. Below you will find details for each option, and the processes included.
Password Manager - Global Update
Within Password Manager, there is the option to use Global Update. This allows you to set up both a Logon name (username) and password for entire tutor groups en masse.
Once logged in, the students can change their assigned password to one of their own choice to make their accounts more secure.
If you need to set or amend a student's logon name or password, you can reset them when signed in as the Administrator or Librarian via the 'Advanced' tab of the borrower's record card in Management.
Importing credentials via CSV
This method is best used when you wish to use login details that are unique to the school and not those offered by the library system.
A CSV can be used to import the logon name and/or password for your borrowers by including them as extra fields in a standard CSV. The CSV still needs to contain the 7 mandatory fields but can include as many or as few optional fields as you require.
Should you do this we suggest navigating back to 'Getting Students from your School System' and following the 'Exporting a CSV - Any other MIS' guide.
To import logon information, you will need to add the LogonName and Password headers for each record in the CSV.
This method can be used to update existing students or in conjunction with importing new borrowers.
Using Single Sign On (SSO)
Reading Cloud can accept connections from several Identifier Providers (IDP) to enable SSO. Each provider has their own setup process.
First, you must select your intended Identifier Provider within Reading Cloud.
Then you must complete the initial set up for your provider. You can select the relevant guide below depending on your provider:
Linking with Microsoft Azure AD
Linking with RM Unify
Linking with MyLogin SSO
When the Setup is complete, your next step is to link your Borrowers to their SSO account.
Once both the library site and your borrower accounts are linked to your SSO, the setup is complete and you can use your pre-existing credentials.
Tips
- We recommend testing one account before going ahead with a bulk setup.
FAQs
Q: Can I mix SSO and standard logins?
A: Yes, but SSO is recommended for consistency.
How some of our other customers have phrased this
- How do I give students a login for Reading Cloud?
- I need to set up passwords for all pupils.
- How do I set up logins for one student?
- We want to use Google login – how do we connect it?
- How do I link Reading Cloud with Microsoft accounts?
- How can I set up SSO for our students?
Need Some Extra Help
If you are struggling with an issue please let the friendly Reading Cloud Service Team help. If you are using the chat bot and your issue is urgent, just say “Transfer for help please”. Alternatively if you prefer you can email them with support@reading-cloud.com or give them a call on +44 (0) 330 822 5359.