Bypass Paywalls with Free Research Tools

Hit a paywall during your research? These tools ensure you get free access to articles you're entitle to through the MRU Library or available free online. 

Unpaywall: Free Articles at your Fingertips

Find an article but it's behind a paywall? Unpaywall searches for free versions online with just one click. 

• Install: get the Chrome/Firefox extension
• Use: Click the green lock icon for instant access.
• Learn more  | Download extension.

Endnote Click: Your Personal Research Assistant

EndNote Click searches for PDF's both through MRU Library or free online. 

• Start: Install the EndNote Click plugin
• Setup: Log in/create an account. Add Mount Royal in the settings. 
• Access: Click on the new grey "Search Library" button on any articles to dive right in. 
• Find out more from EndNote.

Add MRU Authentication to the Publisher Web Link

If you are on a publisher's website you can manually add the Library's proxy prefix to the URL to get access via the Library. 

• Proxy: https://libproxy.mtroyal.ca/login?url= 
• Examples:
  •  https://libproxy.mtroyal.ca/login?url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-021-00287-2
  • https://libproxy.mtroyal.ca/login?url=https://journals.lww.com/pidj/citation/2023/04000/to_chatgpt_or_not_to_chatgpt__the_impact_of.1.aspx
• How it works: When added to a URL the proxy prefix allows you to access subscription-based library resources from external sites like Google, Google Scholar, and links from emails or social media when you may be off campus or away from the campus network. 
• Permalink creator: Try bookmarking our Permalink creator  and use this tool to build your links for you.

Create an MRU EZPproxy* Bookmarklet**

Easy Library access - from wherever you are searching

Access articles via the MRU Library in seconds, without paying

• Set up: Drag + MRU EZPproxy to your bookmarks bar 
• Use: Hit a paywall? Click the bookmark and log in once for access as you browse.
• Note: Not compatible with Microsoft Edge

Detailed instructions:

• Copy the following line of code: javascript:void(location.href="https://libproxy.mtroyal.ca/login?url="+location.href)
• Create a bookmark: In most browsers, do this by by right clicking your browser's toolbar and choosing "Add page" or "New Bookmark".  Then paste the provided code into the URL field.
• Edit the title: Add a name that makes sense to you, such as "+ MRU EZProxy’" or "Check MRU for full text"
• Use it: Now, when you end up at a page that is not giving you the access you need you can click the bookmarklet to see if you can get it.
• Problem? ensure your browser settings: permit pop-up windows, accept third-party cookies and have JavaScript enabled.

Notes:

•  
• The bookmarklet works in browsers that allow bookmarks and personal settings, like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, IE, as well as on mobile browsers for iOS and Android.
• Not compatible with Microsoft Edge

Note: If these methods don't grant you access to an article, don't worry - the MRU library can still obtain it for you through Interlibrary Loan.

*EzProxy is the tool that allows MRU library users access resources from anywhere. 
**A bookmarklet is a mini-app saved in your browser's bookmarks, letting you modify the current webpage.