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)

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:

• Google Scholar – enhances links to full text
• PubMed – adds PDF icons, cover thumbnails, and issue browsing
• Wikipedia – adds direct links to cited articles in reference lists
  Learn how to use Wikipedia wisely in academic work

It also works on publisher websites such as:

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

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 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