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How to Set Up Google Scholar with University of Alberta Library for Full‑Text Access

 

How to Set Up Google Scholar with University of Alberta Library for Full‑Text Access

Why you should set it up

When you use Google Scholar normally, you’ll often find citations, article titles, abstracts, but not always the full‐text. Libraries such as UAlberta subscribe to many journals and databases. By configuring Google Scholar to recognize UAlberta Library’s link resolver (sometimes shown as “Get It @ UAlberta”) you’ll see direct links to articles you have access to through the library. If you’re off‑campus, the system uses UAlberta’s proxy server so you can still access subscription content. 

This setup saves time, helps you access full articles legally and easily, and ensures you get what the library has licensed.

Step‑by‑step setup

Here is how to configure Google Scholar for UAlberta Library:

1. Sign in to your Google account

Open Google Scholar (scholar.google.com or scholar.google.ca) and if you haven’t already, sign in with your Google account. This ensures your settings are saved and apply across devices.

2. Open the Settings > Library links

In Google Scholar, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top left. Select Settings. Then from the left panel select Library links. 

3. Search for “University of Alberta Library – Get It @ UAlberta”

In the Library links search box type University of Alberta Library or UAlberta. Make sure you identify the correct entry: “University of Alberta Library – Get It @ UAlberta”. Once found, check the box beside it. 

4. Save your settings

Click Save. Google Scholar will now remember that you want UAlberta’s links to appear in your results. According to the library: “You only need to do this once!” 

5. Test a search

Perform a search for a topic or article you know your library subscribes to. In the results you should see next to some entries a link such as “Get It @ UAlberta” or a similar label. That means full‑text access via UAlberta is available. 

6. Off‑campus access considerations

When you’re off‑campus, the library proxies your request so you still get access. UAlberta uses the EZProxy authentication system. According to their FAQ: “Simply navigate to the e‑journal or database via the Library Home Page and log in using your Campus Computing ID and Password.”  If you click “Get It @ UAlberta” off‑campus you may be directed to the login screen. Once logged in you should reach the full article.

7. Bookmark the library‑linked Google Scholar

You might choose to bookmark the library’s Google Scholar link from their website to ensure the library link is pre‑loaded. The UAlberta Library recommends using their version of Google Scholar for full‐text linking.

Tips and best practices

Here are additional suggestions to make your setup work smoothly and get the most out of it:

  • Clear your cookies/cache if the “Get It” link doesn’t appear. Occasionally browser cache prevents the library link from showing.

  • Use the same Google account across devices so your settings sync.

  • Check the library links setting if you switch accounts or devices.

  • Install a bookmarklet or browser extension if needed. UAlberta mentions a bookmarklet (UA Access) as a quick way to authenticate when off‑campus. 

  • Use “All versions” in Google Scholar when full‑text isn’t available via the library link. Sometimes open access versions are available through other repositories.

  • Keep your Campus Computing ID active and make sure you log in correctly when off‑campus.

  • Know the limitations. Even after setup, some articles might not be available full‑text due to licensing. In such cases you might see only the citation or abstract, or you might be directed to purchase the article.

  • Use the library catalogue and subject guides in tandem with Google Scholar. Google Scholar is broad but sometimes subject databases or the library catalogue might provide better access for your discipline. 

Troubleshooting common issues

Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • “Get It @ UAlberta” link is missing

    • Make sure you are signed in to the correct Google account.

    • Re‐open Google Scholar > Settings > Library links and ensure the box is still checked.

    • Clear browser cookies/cache and reload the page.

    • Try opening the library’s Google Scholar link rather than the general scholar.google.com.

  • You’re off‑campus and click the “Get It” link but still hit a paywall

    • Ensure you logged in via your Campus Computing ID when prompted.

    • Sometimes the library doesn’t subscribe to that specific journal volume or article, even though Google Scholar lists it. In that case request via interlibrary loan.

    • If you were prompted to login but failed, try a private or incognito browser window and log in again.

  • Browser issues or proxy errors

    • Some extensions or settings block cookies or cross‑site tracking, which may interfere with the EZProxy login.

    • Try using a different browser.

    • If you repeatedly get errors, contact the UAlberta Library’s “Ask Us” Service with the URL you tried and the error message.

Why this matters

By linking Google Scholar with UAlberta Library, you gain:

  • Direct access to licensed full‑text articles rather than just abstracts.

  • Seamless off‑campus access via the EZProxy system when you click library links.

  • Speed and convenience when doing research or writing papers — you won’t need to switch manually between Google Scholar, the library website, and databases.

  • Better research efficiency: When you see “Get It @ UAlberta” next to a result you know you don’t have to hunt for full text elsewhere.

  • Access legitimacy: You access resources through your library’s subscription rather than relying solely on free or open versions.

Example walkthrough

Here’s a quick example to illustrate:

  1. You’re working from home, preparing a literature review on climate change adaptation.

  2. You open Google Scholar, logged into your Google account.

  3. You search: "climate change adaptation communities".

  4. In the results you spot an article titled “Community resilience and climate change adaptation in rural Africa”. On the right side you see the label Get It @ UAlberta in blue.

  5. You click that link, you are taken to UAlberta Library’s proxy login (if not already logged in). You enter your Campus Computing ID and password.

  6. You are directed to the full‐text PDF hosted in a licensed database. You download the article.

  7. You save it, and you’ve secured your full article without another search.

Should you later find a paper without the “Get It” link, you know your library either doesn’t hold it or the link isn’t properly configured — you can then use the library catalogue or request via interlibrary loan.

Note

Setting up Google Scholar to work hand‑in‑hand with the University of Alberta Library is a relatively simple process, yet offers significant benefits. Once you’ve configured it under Settings > Library links and selected “University of Alberta Library – Get It @ UAlberta”, you’re equipped to access full‐text more reliably and efficiently. Especially when working off‑campus, you’ll appreciate the proxy login system via EZProxy.

Make the setup part of your research routine today and let Google Scholar become not just a discovery tool but a full‐text access gateway through your library. If you run into trouble, the UAlberta Library’s “Ask Us” support and help guides are ready to assist.

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