New browser tool offers access to academic articles at no-cost for MSU Libraries patrons

Michigan State University students, faculty and staff can now easily find and retrieve scholarly articles through the Michigan State University Libraries’ subscription to LibKey Nomad, a browser extension designed to streamline the research process. 
 
Funded by the MSU Libraries, LibKey Nomad automatically detects when an article is available through the Libraries’ subscriptions or open access sources, directing users to instant full-text content. This eliminates unnecessary barriers and helps prevent users from accidentally purchasing articles they can instead access at no cost to them through MSU. The extension is compatible with scholarly publishers’ websites, PubMed and other research platforms, making it a valuable tool for those conducting coursework, research or general learning. 
 
MSU Libraries Health Sciences Librarian Andrea Kepsel noted the benefits of the browser extension in effectively accessing information. “LibKey Nomad is an incredible time- and cost-saving tool,” Kepsel said. “It allows students and researchers to easily access the information they need, without leaving their workflow or removing paywalls that restrict access to resources to which the library subscribes.”  
 
The tool is especially beneficial for users who experience frequent login disruptions. It maintains access to resources without requiring repeated sign-ins, benefiting users across all disciplines and degree levels. Whether searching for journal articles for a research project, accessing readings for a course or exploring topics of personal interest, LibKey Nomad streamlines the process.  

Getting started is simple: Users install LibKey Nomad in their preferred browser and select Michigan State University as their institution. Once installed, the extension works automatically in the background, providing one-click access to full-text articles when available. 
 
To learn more about LibKey Nomad and how to install it, visit Third Iron: BrowZine and LibKey LibGuide or contact Andrea Kepsel at akepsel@msu.edu for assistance.