The LibKey Suite
LibKey is a comprehensive set of tools designed to simplify and expedite access to scholarly articles. This suite leverages the LibKey API, which integrates with library subscriptions and the Unpaywall Open Access database to provide streamlined access to full-text content. While users may occasionally need to authenticate with their institutional credentials, the overall process is significantly streamlined.
The LibKey Suite comprises four main components:
- LibKey Discovery: Provides links to the complete issue of the journal in which the article appears. LibKey Discovery is integrated into your search results when you use library databases. In many cases, it can provide direct one-click access to PDFs available in the COD library collection or available via Open Access.
- LibKey Link: Offers direct access to full-text content from platforms like Google Scholar, bypassing traditional link resolver steps.
- LibKey.io: Use LibKey.io to search for articles by DOI (digital object identifier) or PMID (PubMed ID). If the article is available in COD’s collection or via open access you will see options for the PDF and/or the article link.
- LibKey Nomad: A browser extension that helps connect you to library-licensed content and open-access articles when you are browsing the web outside of the library's webpages and databases. It is active at sites researchers commonly visit, including publisher sites, Wikipedia, and PubMed.
These tools work together to reduce the number of clicks required to access research articles, saving time and reducing frustration for users. Additionally, some LibKey features are integrated into the BrowZine platform, which offers enhanced journal browsing capabilities. Both LibKey and BrowZine are developed by Third Iron, ensuring seamless integration between the two products.
