When you browse and search the internet for articles, journals or databases you may find content licensed by us. However, if you are not on campus or not connected to the campus network, the website you visit does not know and will not give you access to web pages or publications. Or worse, asks you to pay for access (paywall).

In these cases, the Lean Library Browser Extension will automatically show you a notification and give you access to the licensed content offered by the library.

Lean Library Browser Extension Fast Facts

1. Simplified browser access
Quick access to digital content provided by Maastricht University Library. Spend less time searching for the PDF or other full-text information.

2. Alternative options
When you hit a paywall, or we do not have a license for the website you’re on, Lean Library checks automatically for an alternative (licensed or open access) and will provide a link to the content.

3. Library assistance
For selected web pages, we will display a support message to help you. We also provide a link to quickly get in touch with our support team.

Lean Library Browser Extension comparison chart

Installation

First, you have to download and install/activate the browser extension.

Supported browsers (Android will follow soon)

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 the extension

Login

Once the browser extension is activated and you load a webpage from a source we subscribe to, you will be prompted with the single sign-on login screen you know from other UM online services when you are not connected to the University network.

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Choose your institution and log in. Your login will be kept active as long as your browser is open.

Access and alternatives

If your browser extension is activated and you load a page for which we provide services or content, the Lean Library icon turns green.

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This means that a website with a paywall for PDF downloads, like ScienceDirect, will show you download buttons instead as if you were on campus.

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

Access Article will take you to our LibSearch page that provides access to the full text.

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Get Article will take you to a page where you can access the open access version of the full text.

Assist messages

We will display an assist message when you’re on a page where this extra information can help you to make use of the services provided.