Research may begin from a variety of on- and off-campus locations and across a range of online platforms. In an age of AI summaries and hallucinations, it is more important than ever to be familiar with multiple methods for accessing subscription journal articles 24/7.
Begin with the WSU Library Catalog
The most dependable starting point is the WSU library catalog, SearchIt. Even if the library does not subscribe through the publisher, the catalog can often provide full-text access through a secondary aggregator like EBSCO, or interlibrary loan.
Use the LibKey Nomad Browser Extension
LibKey Nomad supports one-click access to full-text articles when searching databases such as PubMed. It also connects users to interlibrary loan services when full text is not immediately available. LibKey will not work on mobile devices.
Log in Through OpenAthens on Publisher Sites
Many publisher platforms provide access through an option to “login through your institution.” Select Washington State University and authenticate via OpenAthens.
Some publishers that we subscribe to do not support this option. A list of these publishers is on the OpenAthens Link Creator page. For access to these sites from the web, use an alternative access method like LibKey Nomad or SearchIt.
Configure Google Scholar for WSU Access
Before using Google Scholar, update the settings to include WSU library links. Navigate to Settings, select Library Links, search for “Washington State University,” and save the selected options. This enables links to WSU-subscribed content to appear alongside search results.
Connect Through WSU Global Protect VPN
The WSU Global Protect VPN provides an on-campus access experience by routing traffic through the university network. This option is particularly useful for extended research sessions.