The University has received notification that in the future, Google is planning to start charging organisations that allow access to Google services using a corporate-style email address, such as @lboro.ac.uk.
IT Services will be directly contacting members of the University who are impacted. Anyone joining after 2019 will be unaffected and can ignore this new article.
Why you’re being asked to sign in with a Gmail/Google account.
There are three key reasons why this change is being made:
First, Google has indicated that it plans to charge organisations that allow access to some Google services using corporate-style email addresses, such as @lboro.ac.uk. As a free and more appropriate alternative is available, the University has approved turning off access via University email accounts, with the agreement of the Research Committee and the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation.
Second, using a personal Google account, such as a Gmail account, to manage your Google Scholar profile means you can retain and manage the same profile throughout your career, including if you move between organisations. You can still remain verified as affiliated with Loughborough University in your Google Scholar profile header, even when using a personal Google account.
Third, Google is simplifying access to its services and encouraging sign-in through Google accounts to improve security, convenience and integration.
To maintain continuous access to your Google Scholar profile, you will need to transfer it to a personal Google account (eg a Gmail account) before this date.
Do I need to take action?
IT Services will be running a targeted campaign to contact users who have a Google Scholar profile.
Further information and FAQs can be found on the IT Services webpages.