Skip to Main Content
Help A-Z My Account

Alternative Access to Articles: Google Scholar Button

This guide provides information about various types of browser plug-ins that may be helpful when accessing scholarly publications.
Last Updated: Apr 5, 2024 2:30 PM

Google Scholar logo

The Google Scholar Button adds a browser button for easy access to Google Scholar from any web page. Click the Scholar button to:

  • Find full text on the web or in your university library. Select the title of the paper on the page you're reading, and click the Scholar button to find it.
  • Transfer your query from web search to Scholar. Press the Scholar button to see the top three results; click "full screen" in the lower left of the popup to see them all. 
  • Format references in widely used citation styles. Press the quote button in the popup to see a formatted reference and copy it into the paper you're writing.

The Google Scholar button can be installed in Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Opera).

Google Scholar Button: Installation

The Google Scholar button can be installed in Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Opera).


To install the Google Scholar Button in other browsers (or another way to install in Chrome or Firefox), follow the steps below:

  1. Navigate to https://scholar.google.com/ 
  2. Click on three line menu in the upper left corner of the screen, then click on "Settings" (gear symbol).  Google Settings Button
  3. Click on "Button" found on the left side of the screen.
  4. Underneath the screenshot, click on the text to "Install Scholar Button."
  5. Depending on your browser, you will be taken to the site for installing browser plugins.
  6. Follow the steps to complete the installation of the plugin.

Note:  If you use multiple browsers, you will need to install the button separately on each browser, if desired. 

Google Scholar Button: How to Use

Using the Google Scholar Button

Follow these steps to use the Google Scholar Button plugin for finding articles:

  1. Search for journal articles as you normally would using Google Scholar or library databases.
     
  2. As you browse pages containing articles, click the Google Scholar button in the Bookmarks bar to get information about the article. Click the "View it @ UB" button to gain access to the article.
    Google Scholar Button example screen shot

     
  3. Library links work best when you're on campus. To configure them for off-campus use, visit Google Scholar Settings. Click on "Library Links" from the left side menu. Search for "University at Buffalo." You should select the option: "University at Buffalo - View it @ UB."  Remember to click the Save button.
     
  4. If UB does not have access to a specific article you need, please use UB Libraries Delivery+ service to request the item. 


​If you have questions about the Google Scholar Button or any other library tools, contact the library at library@buffalo.edu or by contacting your subject librarian directly.

Delivery+

Still hitting a paywall for article access? Don't pay!

If the article you need is not part of a UB subscription and is not available openly, use UB Libraries Delivery+ service to get the article. It's completely free for UB faculty, staff, and students! 

Simply log in with your UBIT name and password, then fill out a brief form for the item you need. Articles are delivered to you electronically!

Help

Still running into trouble? Contact your subject librarian for additional help. We are here to help!

Contact

Questions about the content of this Guide? Contact the Guide owner Erin Rowley at epautler@buffalo.edu.