LibKey Nomad

LibrarySearch already provides seamless access to most of Abertay's subscriptions — LibKey and BrowZine tools are fully integrated with LibrarySearch to provide an enhanced search and access experience.

However, LibKey Nomad becomes helpful when you're searching the open web or using external tools like Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, or browsing publisher websites directly (without accessing via the authenticated links provided on the Library website) or even when you are browsing Amazon.

Nomad is an extension that bridges the gap by automatically checking whether Abertay provides access to articles and content you find on these external platforms.

LibKey Nomad makes accessing full-text journal articles and ebooks faster and easier — whether you're searching on Google Scholar, Wikipedia, or publisher websites. Here's how it helps:

• Skip paywalls – it automatically checks if Abertay Library provides access, or if a free (legal) version is available online.

• One-click access – you’ll see buttons like Download PDF, Article Link, or Access Options wherever full text is available.

• No need to search twice – it works in the background while you browse, saving you time and effort.  Make sure to activate it when you're using a University PC on campus too!

• Avoid broken links – it helps you skip abstracts with no full text.

• Used worldwide – supported by over 1,500 libraries in 35+ countries.

LibKey Nomad checks Abertay's subscriptions and owned content first, then looks for open access alternatives — giving you the best available version of each item in a single click!

LibKey Nomad adds full-text access links on many open web, research and publisher platforms, including:

• Google Scholar – enhances links to full text
• Google Books - adds direct links to Abertay ebooks whilst you browse
• PubMed – adds PDF icons, cover thumbnails, and issue browsing
• Wikipedia – adds direct links to cited articles in reference lists
• Amazon - adds direct ebook links to Abertay owned content whilst you browse

It also works on publisher websites such as:

• ScienceDirect (Elsevier)
• Wiley Online Library
• SpringerLink
• EBSCOhost
• Taylor & Francis
• Cambridge University Press
• SAGE and many more!y

Once you have installed the LibKey Nomad browser extension, a Nomad button (green flame icon) will appear when you are searching some databases or publisher websites as well as other web resources.  The button will provide direct access to full-text PDFs of journal articles, eBooks and other resources.

Getting started takes less than a minute. Just follow these steps to install LibKey Nomad in your browser and connect it to Abertay Library:

1. Install the extension for your browser - choose the version of the extension for your preferred browser(s) from the Third Iron website and follow the installation instructions: Download and Install LibKey Nomad from Third Iron

2. Choose “Abertay University Library” as your institution when prompted.

3. Nomad logo - the Nomad logo (green flame icon) will now appear in your list of browser extensions 

4. Start browsing — full-text access links and direct PDF downloads will appear automatically on supported websites.  

Note: You don’t need a personal account. If you’re off campus, just log in with your Abertay username and password when prompted.

Although the LibKey Nomad extension is installed on all students computers across campus, you do have to activate it on the Edge browser.  You should only have to do this once, after which, LibKey Nomad will be active in the browser whenever you log into a student PC.

Microsoft Edge

1. Click on the Extensions icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen
2. Click on the "LibKey Nomad" extension (Green flame icon)
3. When prompted, browse or search for "Abertay University" and select this as your organisation
4. You will then see that the green flame icon is active in the top browser bar and a message will pop-up saying it has access to the site
5. Success!  LibKey Nomad will now automatically present you with the best available full-text of articles and ebooks, even if you haven't gone via Library links.

Yes. LibKey Nomad is designed with researcher privacy in mind:

• It collects no personal data

• It does not store your login details

• It only activates on academic or publisher websites

• It collects anonymous usage data to help libraries improve access

How to switch LibKey Nomad Off and On

Go to your browser's Extensions area and switch off (or on) the LibKey Nomad extension to disable it (or to enable it again). 

The procedure varies depending on the browser you are using.

If you have toggled it off and on again, be sure to check that you are using "Abertay University Library" as your organisation.

Want to see how it works before installing? These quick videos and guides will show you how to use LibKey Nomad and get the most out of it:

Quick video overview of LibKey Nomad

Official user guide (PDF):
Download the LibKey Nomad User Guide (PDF)

LibKey Nomad works best when used alongside other tools in your research toolkit. It seamlessly integrates with the discovery ecosystem (LibrarySearch > Publishers websites + open web resources > LibKey)

Here are some tips to get the most out of it:

• Use it alongside LibrarySearch and academic databases – LibKey Nomad is great to enhance your browsing, but it doesn’t replace structured searching.

• Ideal for 'reference chasing' (citation chaining)  – if you’ve found a citation, LibKey Nomad helps you check for fast full-text access from the best available source - it will always present Abertay licensed content first, then move to Open Access versions and other resources.

• Works on Wikipedia, PubMed, Google Scholar, Amazon etc. – adds direct links to references in article footnotes and ebook access links where Abertay provide access to the title.
  Not sure how to use Wikipedia in academic work? Read:How to Use Wikipedia Wisely in Academic Work

• Still can’t access it? – use the Access Options button to request a copy via Interlibrary Loan.

LibKey Nomad is a powerful tool, but it’s not perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using it:

• It’s not supported on every website – but it works across most major academic platforms and many open web resources you may use to search

• It’s browser-only – it works on desktop browsers, but not on mobile devices.

• It doesn’t search for articles – it helps you access the full text after you’ve already found a reference.  It isn't a search tool - it is a powerful addition to help your discovery and access process.

Top Tip: Use LibKey Nomad alongside other discovery tools for the best results