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Alternative Access to Articles: LibKey Nomad

This guide provides information about various types of browser plug-ins that may be helpful when accessing scholarly publications.
Last Updated: Feb 20, 2023 1:30 PM

LibKey Nomad logo

LibKey Nomad is a free browser extension for accessing library resources where they are and get you to the content fast. LibKey Nomad is now available to use in a variety of browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Vivaldi, and Brave

  • Single click access to library content from publisher websites, PubMed, Wikipedia and more.
  • Link to the full range of available content, including primary publishers, aggregators, open access alternatives and more.
  • Easily install in seconds in Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser.
  • For further technical details about LibKey Nomad please visit the LibKey Nomad FAQ
  • To ensure privacy no personal account is needed.

LibKey Nomad: Installation

Follow these steps to install the LibKey Nomad plugin in Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
     Google Chrome shortcut picture

     
  2. In the Chrome window, type "LibKey Nomad" in the address bar and choose the first result, or if you have this guide open in Chrome, open this link.
     
  3. Click the "Add to Chrome" button in the upper right corner of the page: Add to Chrome button
     
  4. A small popup window will appear. Click the "Add Extension" button: Add Extension button 

    Note: The popup window explains that LibKey Nomad can "read and change all your data on the websites you visit".  LibKey Nomad must be able to read the pages and change them to add download buttons. No data about you or your searches is tracked.  

     
  5. After the plugin installs, it will prompt you to select your institution.  Choose "University at Buffalo - SUNY" from the dropdown.
    LibKey Nomad Install Screen Shot
     
  6. The plugin is now ready to use. You can close the window and proceed to browse normally. Instructions for using LibKey Nomad are below.

 

To install in Mozilla Firefox, follow the steps below:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox. 
    Firefox logo
     
  2. In the Firefox window, type "firefox libkey nomad plugin" in the address bar and choose the first result, or if you have this guide open in Firefox, open https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/libkey-nomad/.
  3. Click the "Add to Firefox" button in the upper right corner of the page: Add to Firefox button
     
  4. A small popup window will appear. Click the "Add Extension" button: Add Extension Firefox button 

    Note: The popup window explains that LibKey Nomad can "read and change all your data on the websites you visit".  LibKey Nomad must be able to read the pages and change them to add download buttons. No data about you or your searches is tracked.  
     
  5. After the plugin installs, it will prompt you to select your institution.  Choose "University at Buffalo - SUNY" from the dropdown.LibKey Nomad Install Screen Shot
  6. The plugin is now ready to use. You can close the window and proceed to browse normally. Instructions for using LibKey Nomad are below.

 

In install in Safari, follow the steps below.

  1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
     App Store Mac icon screenshot

     
  2. In the search bar, type libkey nomad".
     
  3. Click the "GET" button in the upper right corner of the page: 
    LibKey Nomad extension in Mac App Store screenshot

     
  4. In Safari, a new ribbon will appear at the top of your window. Click the "Turn On Extension" button.  
    Safari extension ribbon screenshot

     
  5. After the plugin installs, it will prompt you to select your institution.  Choose "University at Buffalo - SUNY" from the dropdown.
    LibKey Nomad Install Screen Shot
     
  6. The plugin is now ready to use. The LibKey Nomad icon will appear to the left of your address bar in Safari. When you first install the plugin, you will need to click on the icon to read the request permission to read and alter webpages and see your browsing history on websites. You can select your preference and change it at any time in Preferences.

LibKey Nomad: Finding Full Text

Follow these steps to use the LibKey Nomad 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, LibKey Nomad will add a button to the lower-left corner of your screen linking directly to PDF files.
    LibKey Nomad Example Screen Shot
  3. In cases where a PDF is not available, LibKey Nomad will not appear. Please use UB Libraries Delivery+ service to request the item. 
     

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

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: It might be beneficial to use more than one browser plug-in to search for full-text article access since they have different coverage. However, if you do use more than one, please be aware of the following potential issue:

  • If using LibKey Nomad and EndNote Click plug-ins, they appear in the same place on the screen, so they may overlap.
    • FIX: The EndNote Click pop up offers an "X" to close the pop-up, if you prefer to see the LibKey Nomad result.

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