The University Library provides access to a huge range of journal articles, but there will be instances where the full text of an article you need is not immediately available. This section will help you understand the reasons behind these limitations and guide you on what to do when you encounter a paywall.
Reasons for limited full-text access
- Backfile limitations: in some cases, the library's subscription to a journal may only include access to articles published within a specific time frame. Articles published before or after this period may not be available full text.
- Excluded titles: some journal titles may be excluded from the subscription packages the library has purchased, meaning full-text access to articles from these journals is not available.
- Embargo periods: certain journals, particularly on aggregator platforms, may have an embargo period. This means that the full text of an article is not accessible for a specified period after its publication date, typically ranging from a few months to a year.
What to do when you encounter a paywall
If you have found an article that is behind a paywall, consider the following options to access the full text:
- Install our recommended browser extension, LibKey Nomad: this tool simplifies access to articles by automatically checking our subscriptions and providing direct links to the full text when available. It can also help you find free, legally available versions of articles online.
- Search for the article using our two other recommended academic search engines (Google Scholar or Semantic Scholar), which may be able to provide access to the full text.
- Check if the article is available in the institutional repository of the author's home university. Many universities have repositories that provide free access to their faculty's publications.
- Consider interlibrary loan: if you have exhausted all other options and still cannot access the full text of the article, you can submit an interlibrary loan request. This service allows the library to obtain a copy of the article from another institution on your behalf. Please note that there may be a cost associated with this service, and it may take some time to receive the article.