Browser extensions and proxy tool settings

Certain browser extensions and other tools offer ways to facilitate access to E-Resources that require Harvard authentication. These include:

• Browser extensions such as Nomad and Lean Library (https://library.harvard.edu/services-tools/library-browser-extensions )

• Zotero (citation management tool)

• Try Harvard Library bookmarklet

Some tools allow you to configure a proxy to facilitate access.

We recommend using our LibKey proxy

URL:

If our LibKey proxy cannot find the item, it will default to the Alma openURL resolver: https://hollis.harvard.edu/openurl/01HVD/HVD_URL

which will auto-populate an ILL form as a last resort.

Inventory of platforms using our LibKey resolver

Importance of disabling auto-proxy settings

Some tools have an “auto-proxy” setting, which may break your access in some situations. We strongly recommend disabling this setting.

Disabling auto-proxy in Zotero Connector

1. Right-click on the Zotero Connector extension icon and select "Options" or "Preferences".

2. Select the "Proxies" tab.

3. To disable auto-proxy completely, uncheck "Enable proxy redirection".

To allow auto-proxy only on selected websites:

1. Check "Enable proxy redirection"

2. Add approved websites to the Configured Proxies list. (Make sure that "scholar.google.com" is not included in the configured list.) 

3. For example, enabling proxy redirection and adding "jstor.org" to the Configured Proxies list will cause Zotero to automatically redirect all JSTOR pages through Harvard access, but not pages from other websites.

Disabling auto-proxy in Library Access (Lean Library)

1. Right-click on the Library Access extension icon and select "Options" or "Preferences".

2. Uncheck "Skip the popup and automate my access."

To use the Library Access extension to reload an individual page through the Harvard access proxy, click the extension icon while on the page and select "Get Access!".

Harvard Library E-Resource Access FAQ

Why should I access resources through Harvard links?

Without the Harvard link, users on wireless or off-campus networks cannot be recognized as Harvard affiliates. Most online library resources are governed by licenses that restrict full access to current Harvard faculty, students, and staff, and without using the Harvard link, you will not be able to view the resource.

When should I not use the OpenAthens or LibKey proxy?

Google Scholar

Google Scholar cannot be accessed through standard Harvard proxy links; it causes an error. Instead, Harvard access is managed using Google Scholar's "Library Links" setting, which generates a "Try Harvard Library" link next to search results available at Harvard. Official library links to Google Scholar (through HOLLIS or library websites) should be preset with Harvard access. To manually set up Harvard as a Google Scholar library link, follow instructions at https://ask.library.harvard.edu/faq/82002 .

PubMed

Harvard PubMed access does not require a proxy server. We use PubMed's Outside Tool to link to Harvard content. Users should see the blue “Try Harvard Library” next to search results that are available to Harvard users. Pro tip: To manually add Harvard access to any PubMed page, add the parameter "&otool=hulib" to the end of the PubMed URL.

Personal Subscriptions

If you have an independent personal subscription to a resource, for example an individual subscription to The Economist, you may not be able to access it when connecting through the library proxy to the Harvard institutional subscription. Disable the proxy to log in with your individual account.