LibKey Nomad is a free browser extension that helps you get instant access to full-text academic content — legally and quickly — using Abertay Library subscriptions and holdings information as well as open access sources.
It runs quietly in the background as you browse, adding one-click access buttons to read and download full text on sites like Google Scholar, PubMed, Wikipedia, Amazon and many academic publisher websites.
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)
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 journal articles 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.
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 first, then looks for open access alternatives — giving you the best available version of each article.
LibKey Nomad adds full-text access links on many open web, research and publisher platforms, including:
It also works on publisher websites such as:
Getting started takes less than a minute. Just follow these steps to install LibKey Nomad in your browser and connect it to Abertay Library:
Choose “Abertay University Library” as your institution when prompted.
Start browsing — full-text access links 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.
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
LibKey Nomad works best when used alongside other tools in your research toolkit. 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.
Works on Wikipedia and PubMed – adds direct links to references in article footnotes.
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.
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
If you're not sure whether LibKey Nomad is working — or you'd like help accessing full-text articles — just get in touch:
Email us at library@abertay.ac.uk
Or visit our Accessing Full Text help page
Last modified by Library Services
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