While every librarian hopes to provide the best resources directly through the library’s site, we are also aware that individual researchers have their own preferred search strategies. While there are some benefits to searching where you’re most comfortable, the downside to using platforms like Google Scholar is that those sites can’t get you around the paywall most scholarship lives behind. Even if you’re able to locate the information you need, you may not have access to it. Milner librarians respect this preference and even have a solution to this paywall problem!
Through a subscription with frequent library partner Third Iron, Milner Library offers the tool, LibKey Nomad, to help connect you to the research you need. LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that works with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, and Vivaldi, and is a simple tool that connects the research you’re viewing with your affiliated library’s subscriptions, so you don’t pay for material you already have free access to. It couldn’t be simpler to use. Just download the browser extension and select Illinois State as your preferred institution. There is no need to create an account or provide individual credentials. All that’s left to do is start researching!
LibKey Nomad works as follows. When you find an interesting article, a popup will appear in the bottom of the screen that will link you back to Milner Library. Clicking on that button connects directly to Milner’s databases, so it will take you straight to the record for that individual article. If central login is required, you will be directed to that login page first before moving on to the EBSCO, ProQuest, or other publisher sites.
LibKey Nomad also helps identify and connect to scholarly sources on commonly used sites like Wikipedia. If you’re using Wikipedia to gain introductory knowledge about a topic, and you want to read the full text of some of the cited sources, LibKey Nomad can help with that as well. If you scroll through the References section with the extension engaged, you will see the references that include a DOI will also have a “Download PDF” button attached. That button will work the same way as the popup button, connecting you to library resources to find the full text. This is a great way to use sources like Wikipedia to learn a bit about a topic, then go one step further and start to find credible, potentially scholarly sources that can be used as references in research and assignments. It truly is the best of both worlds!
Even items without direct library database access can be accessed with this tool. Clicking the LibKey button will take you to Milner’s interlibrary loan form to request the item for free. This is a great tool that works in the background while you’re using a search engine. Tools like LibKey Nomad make it much easier to search the way that works best for you while still allowing you the best access. LibKey Nomad and other research tools are offered through Milner Library at no charge to Illinois State University faculty, students, or staff. It’s one of many resources we offer to make research easy, accessible, and affordable for our patrons. If you have questions about LibKey Nomad or other ways to make your work open and accessible, contact Milner Library’s Scholarly Communication Team.
