Library access browser extensions

Use a library access browser extension to access content licensed by Maastricht University Library, whether you're on campus or working elsewhere. Browser extensions recognise when you're entitled to access licensed resources and help you avoid unnecessary paywalls.

The University Library recommends two browser extensions that complement each other:

Extension	Best for
Lean Library	Students, education and general library use
LibKey Nomad	Researchers and intensive literature research

Installing both gives you the broadest coverage because each extension offers slightly different functionality.

Lean Library

Lean Library is designed to make accessing library resources as easy as possible while studying. It automatically recognises licensed content and redirects you to the correct login when needed.

Why choose Lean Library?

Easy access to library resources
Open articles, journals, databases and e-books without having to start from the Library website.

Alternative access
If Maastricht University Library does not subscribe to a resource, Lean Library automatically looks for a legal Open Access version.

Especially useful for

students
course literature
e-books
general browsing and studying

Install Lean Library

Step 1. Download the extension from leanlibrary.com/download (for Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari)
Please note: the Lean Library browser extension is not available for Android.

Step 2. Install the extension

Step 3. Select your institution
After installation, you select Maastricht University as your institution in the settings and use your Maastricht University login credentials to activate the extension. Choose “Skip the popup and automate my access” to save your connection so you only have to log in once during your session.

Using Lean Library

Log in for access
If you’re off campus or using wireless access and have the browser extension enabled, you’ll automatically be prompted to sign in with the same single sign-on account you use for other UM online services whenever you visit a resource that UM subscribes to. Choose your institution (UM or MUMC+) and log in. Your login will be kept active as long as your browser is open. You will have full-text access as if you were on campus.

Alternatives
If you’re on a page where a full-text link can’t be provided, Lean Library will look for an alternative source. If a link is available Lean Library will show one of the following messages:

Article available elsewhere
By clicking on “Access Article” you will be directed to our LibSearch page that provides access to the full text.
Open Access version found!
By clicking on “Get Article” you will be directed to a page where you can access the Open Access version of the full text.

LibKey Nomad

LibKey Nomad is designed for researchers who regularly work with journal literature. It provides direct access to full-text PDFs while you’re searching or reading online, both on and off campus.

Why choose LibKey Nomad?

Full text in one click
When you open an article page, LibKey Nomad first checks whether a legal Open Access version is available. If not, it checks whether Maastricht University Library has licensed access and provides a direct link to the PDF.

Works with research tools
LibKey Nomad integrates with many databases and other literature research tools (e.g. Web of Science, EBSCOhost, PubMed, Google Scholar) and with specialised systematic literature review tools (e.g. Covidence). Access links appear automatically in your search results. If you already know a DOI, you can also use the built-in DOI lookup.

Supports AI-assisted research
In AI tools such as general LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude) and research assistants (Perplexity), LibKey Nomad recognises citations that include a DOI and turns them into direct links to the full text when available.

Please note: LibKey Nomad currently offers limited e-book support for Maastricht University users. For e-books and teaching materials we recommend using Lean Library.

Install LibKey Nomad

Step 1. Go to thirdiron.com/downloadnomad/ or find “LibKey Nomad” in your browser’s extension store (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari).

Step 2. Install the extension.

Step 3. When prompted, select Maastricht University as your organization.

Using LibKey Nomad

When the extension is activated, LibKey Nomad displays a small button in the bottom-left corner of article pages with one of these options:

Button	Meaning
Download PDF	Open or download the full-text PDF immediately.
Article Link	Go to the platform hosting the article.
Access Options	View other options, including Interlibrary Loan when necessary.
Article Retracted	Displays a retraction warning in collaboration with Retraction Watch.

Contact & Support

For questions or information, use the web form to contact a library specialist.

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