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University of Sunderland Library

Research Assistant: Other Useful Tools

A guide to using Research Assistant, a generative AI-powered tool, effectively and cohesively with Library Search.
Making AI tools work for your research, your way. There are other research tools available to help speed up and simplify your access to our resources. In 2025, we trialled LibKey Nomad, an AI-powered browser extension that delivers one-click access to full-text, Library-subscribed and open-access journals and ebooks. You can now enjoy permanent access to LibKey, courtesy of the Library.

What is LibKey?

LibKey is a research tool that gives you one-click access to full-text, Library-subscribed and open-access journals and ebooks. With the browser extension installed, when you search for articles, LibKey will run in the background to quickly find the best way to get you full-text access.

What does it do?

  • Saves you time when finding articles online
  • Makes it easier to get full text downloads of articles and eBooks
  • Provides immediate access to subscribed and Open Access content
  • Helps you save citations as you go

Key features

  • Connects to subscribed Library content from open web searching. If you are browsing websites such as publisher websites, Wikipedia, or Amazon, LibKey will link you to the subscribed or open-access version of the book or article you are viewing.
  • Provides fast, one-click access to the full-text articles of Library-subscribed journals and ebooks via a PDF download or article link. Using the browser extension cuts down on clicking from websites like PubMed, publisher websites, Google Scholar and more, giving you instant access to PDFs where available.
  • Searches for open access options when the full text is not available.
  • Exports citations to your chosen citation manager.

Install LibKey

In your chosen browser, visit the LibKey Nomad website and select the appropriate browser for you or use the shortcut buttons below.

Chrome icon Download for Chrome
Firefox icon Download for Firefox
Safari icon Download for Safari
Edge icon Download for Edge

 

After selecting your browser, you’ll be directed to the web store. Follow the instructions for your browser to install LibKey Nomad. You don’t need to create an account. Simply select 'University of Sunderland' from the list; you can either scroll to find it or type in the name. Now, when you’re searching on the web, look for the green University of Sunderland logo to connect to full text available from the Library.

LibKey icons explained

When you find an article, LibKey will present you with these options:

  • Download PDF: We have this item, and you can instantly download the full-text PDF with one click.
  • Article Link: We have this item, and LibKey can link you directly to the article page, where you can access the full-text.
  • Manuscript PDF: An open-access version of this article is available. This may not be the final, published version of the article.
  • Manuscript Link: An open-access version of this article is available. This may not be the final, published version of the article.
  • Access Options: The article may not be immediately available, but we can help you get it.
  • View Complete Issue: A link to the BrowZine platform, where you can view the full journal issue in which the article is published, allowing you to find additional, relevant articles.

If you’d like any help using the Research Assistant or Library Search, or just want to feel more confident in your research, our team is here to support you. You can visit our help desks on campus or contact us online via Library Talk. No question is too small – we’re always happy to help!