Lean Library: a browser extension to help you access online resources

Elizabeth Andrews
Tuesday 27 September 2022

A drawing showing an open laptop with books seeming to come out of the screen.

Get the Lean Library browser extension now. Once you have installed the extension, choose ‘University of St Andrews’ from the download menu. 

Ever felt annoyed when you’ve been stuck behind a paywall for a newspaper article, or frustrated that you’re asked to sign in to access a journal article when you’re sure the Library has access?

Lean Library Access is an add-on for your browser that makes it easier to get instant access to journal articles, ebooks, and newspapers. The extension aims to save you time by showing you which databases the Library has a license for, and allows you to access those databases when you are not on campus.

If you land on a webpage where you can’t access a resource, Lean Library can give you a link directing you to the full-text version available through the Library subscription, or alternatively an open-access version. It can save you a lot of time looking for a login button or having to go back to Library Search to look up a title.

It’s particularly useful for resources like newspapers, where we have access to articles, but not through the main newspaper websites.

Find out more about Lean Library by joining a Lunchtime Learning sessions. These short sessions last between 15-30 minutes and run on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes. One topic will be covered in each session. There’s no need to book, just join through teams for our online sessions, or show up for our in-person sessions. One of our Librarians will take you through the topic being explored in a short presentation and answer any questions you have. These informal sessions are open to all students and staff of the University of St Andrews. 

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