LibKey Nomad browser extension

LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that simplifies and streamlines access to the NU Libraries subscription resources. Adding this extension to your browser enables one-click access to full text of articles from publisher pages, PubMed, Google, Wikipedia, and more, with no need to start at the library website. If direct access is not available, it automatically loads and fills out the Interlibrary Loan request form for you.

Availability

LibKey Nomad is currently available for the following browsers:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Edge
• Brave
• Vivaldi

Installation

Installing LibKey Nomad is simple. Start with the link below to download the extension:

Once you have added LibKey Nomad to your browser, make sure to set your institution to Northwestern University.

Using LibKey Nomad

When you land on a page for an article, LibKey Nomad automatically checks against NU Libraries' subscriptions and provides a link to a:

• PDF of the article, if available
• Manuscript version (via Unpaywall), if available
• Pre-filled Interlibrary Loan form, if full text is not available

If you are off campus you will be directed to authenticate with Duo before being taken to the PDF of the article. LibKey Nomad does not store your credentials or require you to create an account.

What to look for

LibKey Nomad automatically places a button in the bottom corner of a compatible webpage. This button changes its appearance to indicate what level of access is available.

Download PDF indicates that NU Libraries provides access to the PDF, and will take you directly to the PDF of the document.

Manuscript PDF indicates that NU Libraries provides access to the article, and will take you to a page where you can access the article. You may also be able to download the article from there.

Access Options indicates that NU Libraries does not have direct online access to the article. Clicking this will take you back to NUsearch. Log in with your Net ID and password, and the form will be pre-filled by LibKey Nomad by clicking "Request a Scan of this Article". Just click on "Submit Request" located near the bottom of the page to receive a PDF copy of the article in 24-72 hours.

Special features

Wikipedia

LibKey Nomad integrates with Wikipedia to provide quick access links for items in the references list.

PubMed

LibKey Nomad provides full text links to items in PubMed search results.

Common questions

LibKey Nomad is a fairly new option for Northwestern Libraries affiliates. Additional questions and answers will be added over time.

Does LibKey Nomad work for every site/database/article? No. LibKey Nomad uses an item's DOI to retrieve full text options. It cannot retrieve items with no DOI. Additionally, LibKey Nomad is currently configured to work only with selected scholarly websites, and not on the web in general.

Does using LibKey Nomad mean I won't have to log in to access articles anymore? It will still prompt you to authenticate with Duo the first time you use it (each session), but after that it should authenticate automatically until you start a new browser session.

Does LibKey Nomad only work with Northwestern Libraries subscription materials? No, it also uses Unpaywall to find free versions of articles that are not part of the Northwestern Libraries' subscriptions.

Who can help?

If you need more help using LibKey Nomad at Northwestern Libraries, please reach out to the librarian listed on this guide.