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University of North Carolina (UNC) Libraries: How to Use Google for Full-Text Access

University of North Carolina (UNC) Libraries: How to Use Google for Full-Text Access


Here is a practical, step by step guide to set up Google Scholar so you get full-text access through UNC Chapel Hill Libraries. Follow these instructions to see “Full Text @ UNC” links in Scholar results, access subscription journals off campus, and troubleshoot common problems.

Why link Google Scholar to UNC Libraries

Linking Google Scholar to UNC Libraries adds a “Full Text @ UNC” link to search results when UNC holds a subscription. That link routes you through UNC’s access system and helps you reach full text without hitting paywalls. This saves time and prevents needless requests to interlibrary loan when your university already provides the article.


Before you start, prepare these items

  1. Your UNC Onyen and password for off-campus access.

  2. A modern web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

  3. An active Google account to sign into Google Scholar.

  4. Optionally, access to UNC Libraries web pages to locate proxy settings if needed.


Step 1 — Sign in to Google Scholar

  1. Open Google scholar

  2. Click the menu icon in the top left and choose Settings.

  3. If you are not signed in to a Google account, sign in now. Your saved preferences will attach to your account and follow you across devices.


Step 2 — Configure Library Links for UNC

  1. In Settings, click Library links.

  2. In the search box, type University of North Carolina, UNC Chapel Hill, or UNC Libraries.

  3. Look for an entry labeled something like Full Text @ UNC or University of North Carolina Libraries - Full text.

  4. Tick the checkbox next to that entry.

  5. Click Save.

After saving, Scholar will display the UNC link on the right side of results for items UNC licenses.


Step 3 — Test your setup on campus

  1. Search Google Scholar for a recent journal article in your field.

  2. Look to the right of each result for a Full Text @ UNC link or a PDF label.

  3. Click the link. On campus, UNC’s network should grant immediate access. If the article opens, your setup works.

If you do not see the UNC link on campus then repeat Step 2 and confirm the exact library name chosen matches UNC Libraries.


Step 4 — Access full text off campus

Off-campus access requires a UNC login to prove your affiliation.

Method A. Scholar link routes you through UNC’s proxy.

  • When you click Full Text @ UNC, Scholar should forward your browser to UNC’s login page.

  • Sign in with your UNC Onyen and password.

  • After authentication, the system grants access to the publisher site or to a proxied copy.

Method B. Start from UNC Libraries web pages.

  • Open UNC university libraries first, sign in with your Onyen, then follow database or Google Scholar links from the library portal. Starting from the library ensures your session is proxied for full text.

If you have difficulty logging in, check your Onyen status and reset your password through UNC’s account services.


Optional: Use a proxy bookmarklet or manual prefix

If you reach a paywall even after logging in, you may force proxy access.

  1. Find UNC’s proxy prefix on the library’s remote access or off-campus access page. It looks like a login URL used by UNC to proxy external content.

  2. Prepend that prefix to the publisher URL in your browser address bar, then press Enter. The site should reload through UNC’s proxy and prompt for login.

  3. Libraries sometimes offer a bookmarklet you add to your browser bar. Click it on the page you want to proxy and the bookmarklet rewrites the URL to include UNC’s proxy prefix.

If you cannot find the proxy prefix on the library site, contact UNC Libraries help for the correct instructions.


Step 5 — Link Google Scholar to UNC LibGuide or EZproxy for consistent access

Some libraries run an EZproxy service. When UNC uses that, Scholar’s library link will route you to EZproxy for authentication. To ensure the best experience:

  • Bookmark UNC Libraries login page and the database pages you use most.

  • Always sign in on the library site before clicking external links you want to access.

  • Use the official UNC library guides for specific databases such as JSTOR, ScienceDirect, or PubMed.


How to enable full text options in your Google Scholar searches

  • Use the Advanced Search option to specify author, journal, and year.

  • After running the search, click Any time on the left to limit results to recent years.

  • Use the All versions link to find alternative copies. Many are hosted in institutional repositories and are accessible free.

  • If a result shows PDF on the right, click it to open the full text directly.


Troubleshooting common problems

Problem: “Full Text @ UNC” does not appear.

  • Confirm you selected the correct UNC library link in Scholar Settings.

  • Clear browser cache and cookies and sign in again.

  • Try an incognito window to rule out conflicting extensions.

  • If you use multiple Google accounts, ensure you are signed into the account where you saved the library link.

Problem: Clicking the UNC link still shows a paywall.

  • Confirm you signed into UNC with your Onyen.

  • Some publishers block proxied access to their final published PDF. Try the All versions link to find a preprint.

  • Use UNC’s interlibrary loan service if UNC does not own the article.

Problem: Off-campus access fails after login.

  • Check your Onyen status with UNC IT. Your affiliation must be active.

  • Some publisher platforms require cookies. Allow cookies for the site.

  • If you used a VPN from another institution, disconnect it and try again. VPNs sometimes interfere with proxy routing.

Problem: Results show the wrong institutional link.

  • Open Scholar Settings and remove other library links. Keep only the UNC entry.


Best practices for long term use

  1. Set Google Scholar to Full profile visible so colleagues can find your publications.

  2. Add UNC Libraries to your library links on any device you use. The setting follows your Google account.

  3. Create a folder system inside My Library for projects and reading lists. Use tags or labels for quick retrieval.

  4. Use the Cited by feature to trace forward citations and discover more recent work that UNC may hold.

  5. Save publisher PDFs to your UNC institutional repository if your publisher policy allows. This increases access for colleagues.


Mobile access

Google Scholar works on mobile browsers and the Google app. For smooth mobile access:

  • Sign in to Google Scholar in your phone browser.

  • Use UNC Libraries’ mobile login page before opening Scholar links.

  • If the UNC link does not redirect properly, open the article link inside the UNC library mobile portal.


Off-campus alternatives if proxy does not work

  • Search UNC’s institutional repository for the author’s accepted manuscript.

  • Use open access versions on platforms such as PubMed Central or arXiv when appropriate.

  • Request the article through UNC’s interlibrary loan if direct access fails. The library will deliver a copy to your email.


When to contact UNC Libraries

Reach out to UNC Libraries if you encounter persistent issues. Provide the following details in your message:

  • The article title and publisher URL.

  • A screenshot of the paywall or error page.

  • The browser and device you used.

  • The time you attempted access.

UNC Libraries support staff will check holdings and proxy settings and respond with a fix or interlibrary loan instructions.


Quick checklist before starting research

  • Sign in to Google Scholar with a Google account.

  • Add UNC Libraries in Scholar Settings under Library links.

  • Test Scholar links on campus and off campus.

  • Keep your UNC Onyen credentials active.

  • Bookmark UNC library login pages and database pages.


Using these steps you will connect Google Scholar to UNC Chapel Hill Libraries and access full text smoothly for your assignments and research. Follow the troubleshooting tips to resolve common roadblocks and contact the UNC library help desk when you need direct support.

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