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How to Set The University of Kansas (KU) Libraries to Google Scholar for Full-Text Access

How to Set The University of Kansas (KU) Libraries to Google Scholar for Full-Text Access


Why link KU Libraries to Google Scholar?

When you configure Google Scholar to know about KU Libraries, your search results will include “Get at KU” links. Those links let you access full text of articles KU subscribes to, instead of just abstracts. KU calls this “Get at KU” linking. 

Without this linking, you might click on an article title and hit a paywall, even though KU already has access. With it, Google Scholar will route you through KU’s licensed resources or proxy server. 


Prerequisites / Requirements

Before you begin, make sure:

  1. You have a KU Online ID and password (for off-campus access).

  2. You know whether you are on campus (KU network) or off campus (external network).

  3. You use a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and can sign in to Google Scholar.

  4. You might want the KU proxy server bookmarklet or ability to add the proxy link manually. 


Setting Up KU Libraries in Google Scholar — Step by Step

Here is how to configure Google Scholar so that “Get at KU” appears in your search results.

Step 1: Go to Google Scholar library links settings

  1. Open Google Scholar in your browser: scholar.google.com

  2. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper left.

  3. Click Settings

  4. In Settings, go to Library links

Alternatively, you can go directly via this link:

https://scholar.google.com/scholar_setprefs?instq=University%20of%20Kansas%20Libraries

This link opens Scholar’s library links settings filtered for “University of Kansas Libraries.” 

Step 2: Search and select “University of Kansas Libraries — Get at KU”

In the Library links section:

  • In the search box, type University of Kansas Libraries

  • You should see a checkbox for “University of Kansas Libraries — Get at KU.”

  • Check that box.

Make sure to click Save or Save Preferences (depending on interface). This ensures Google Scholar remembers your library affiliation.

Step 3: Verify “Get at KU” appears in results

  • Perform a search in Google Scholar (e.g., “time management student performance”)

  • Look at the results — on the right side of many entries, you should see “Get at KU” links.

  • Clicking those should route you to KU’s licensed copy or full text if KU holds it.

If you don’t see “Get at KU” links:

  • Confirm your library links setting is active

  • Try logging out and logging in

  • Try a known article KU subscribes to

  • Use a browser in incognito / private mode to check


Accessing KU Resources from Off Campus

Being off campus adds a layer: you must route through KU’s proxy server to access subscription content. KU uses a proxy prefix (www2.lib.ku.edu) to wrap external links. 

Here’s how to ensure off-campus access works:

Method A: Let “Get at KU” handle proxy routing

When Google Scholar shows “Get at KU,” it knows to send you through KU’s proxy server, which demands your KU login credentials. Once authenticated, you’ll gain access to KU’s licensed databases just as on campus. 

Method B: Use proxied links manually or with bookmarklet

If you find a link that lacks the proxy portion, you can force routing:

  • Prepend https://www2.lib.ku.edu/login?URL= to the article’s URL

    • For example, if the article URL is https://www.jstor.org/stable/12345

    • Make proxied link: https://www2.lib.ku.edu/login?URL=https://www.jstor.org/stable/12345

  • Alternatively use KU’s Proxy Server Bookmarklet

    • KU provides a bookmarklet you drag to your browser bookmarks bar

    • When you are on a page you want to proxy, click the bookmarklet

    • It reloads the page with the KU proxy prefix

    • (KU official instructions describe how to install it for Chrome, Firefox, Safari) 

If the article doesn’t belong to KU's licensed holdings, the proxy will fail, and you will see a “Remote Access Error” or similar message. 


Special Tips and Troubleshooting

Limit search to “Full Text Online”

If you only want results that offer full text (not just citations), you can set filters in Google Scholar:

  • After you search, on the left sidebar, click “Any time” or similar

  • There is sometimes a filter or option labeled “Full Text Online” or “Full Text”

  • Using that will hide items KU doesn’t have full access to. KU’s library “Get Full Text” recommendation page mentions this. 

Use library database web pages first

Starting from KU Libraries website (Articles & Databases) ensures your session is proxied properly. Then click Google Scholar or use the search box there. 

VPN vs Proxy

KU’s VPN (called KU Anywhere) often does not help with external publisher sites. Your access to library resources via proxy is separate. KU warns: their VPN does not reliably grant access to KU’s licensed publishers; you must use the proxy-based system.

Verify your IP / credentials

  • On campus, your device’s KU IP gives you direct access

  • Off campus, proxy login will ask you for KU credentials

  • Make sure your KU affiliation is active (enrolled, staff, etc.)

  • Try logging into KU Libraries site directly; confirm your credentials work

Use of Zotero, EndNote, or other tools

Some reference management tools detect your library proxy and automatically route access. Ensure KU’s proxy settings are configured in the tool’s preferences (often named “library linking” or “OpenURL”). KU mentions this behavior for Zotero. 

Handling articles not in KU subscriptions (interlibrary loan)

If a “Get at KU” link indicates KU does not own that article, KU will offer interlibrary loan (ILL) or request. These processes take time (a few days). KU’s “Get Full Text” video mentions this fallback. 


Summary of Steps (Checklist)

  1. Log in to Google Scholar, go to Settings → Library links

  2. Search “University of Kansas Libraries” and check the “Get at KU” option

  3. Save settings

  4. Perform Google Scholar searches; look for “Get at KU” links

  5. If off campus, use proxy routing via “Get at KU” or using the proxy bookmarklet / manual prefix

  6. If a desired article isn’t available, use KU’s interlibrary loan


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