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Tools and apps for alternative access

Hit a paywall? Try these browser add-ons

get it @ VCU button VCU Libraries proxy browser add-on
Reach an online article you can’t access? The EZProxy Redirect browser extension reloads the current webpage so that if VCU Libraries subscribes to the article or ebook, and you’re a member of the VCU community, you’ll be able to access the full text.
open access button Open Access Button
Search the web for an open access version of a paper and request a copy from authors if one isn't already available.
unpaywall logo Unpaywall
Free Chrome add-on powered by a database of millions of legal, author-uploaded PDFs.
LibKey Nomad logo LibKey Nomad
LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that enables one-click access to subscription articles and ebooks from publisher pages, PubMed, Google, Wikipedia, and more, without starting from VCU Libraries’ website. One-click access to Open Access resources is provided as well.
EZ Proxy logo EZProxy Redirect Foxified
Quickly reload pages through your library's EZProxy for accessing paywalled journal articles and websites.

Google Scholar

Set up Google Scholar to connect to VCU resources, and use it to access resources that VCU does not have.

Connecting apps and software

Mobile apps or other research tools may ask for these addresses:

  • Proxy address: https://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=
  • OpenURL address: https://vcu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/openurl/01VCU_INST/01VCU_INST:VCUL

Endnote and Z39.50

Endnote and other citation management software allow you to search VCU Libraries' collections directly using the Z39.50 protocol. Connection information:

  • Server address: alma.exlibrisgroup.com
  • Port: 1921
  • Database name: 01VCU_INST
  • Recordtype: USMARC

Managing citations

In the Citation Tools Research Guide learn how to use citation tools and how to select the right one.

Mobile tools

  • Browzine: Discover, read and monitor top journals from your iPad or tablet.