Warning: Your browser has javascript disabled. Without javascript some functions will not work, including question submission via the form.

Ask Us! National University Library

Get help through chat, phone, SMS, and email!

NU LibChat Widget

To search our FAQs, click the button above with the three horizontal lines.

Ask Us

Can't find what you need? Submit a ticket through email, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email Us

Contact Us

(888) 628-1569

(928) 550-6552 (Text)

refdesk@nu.edu

Schedule a Consult

What is Unpaywall and how can I use it to find research articles?

What is Unpaywall?

Unpaywall is a browser plugin that allows users to access full-text PDFs of resources for free when available. The tool harvests content directly from over 50,000 journals and open-access repositories from all over the world, and it uses great open data from PubMed Central, the DOAJ, Crossref (particularly their license information), and DataCite.

Installing Unpaywall

Click here to add the browser plugin/extension for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Using Unpaywall

When you see the green unlock tab on a webpage, click it to read the full-text of a research article.

Access full-text articles through Unpaywall if there is an active green unlock icon on the webpage

Still need help?

Didn't get the answer you needed? Contact a librarian through email, phone, SMS, or chat for personalized assistance!