How to Link Google Scholar with Catholic University of America Library Resources for Full-Text Access

How to Link Google Scholar with Catholic University of America Library Resources for Full-Text Access

Google Scholar is one of the most widely used research tools for students and academics. It allows you to search across articles, theses, conference papers, and books from publishers and academic databases. But you may have noticed that when you search Google Scholar from home or outside campus, many articles appear locked behind paywalls.

The good news is that as a student or faculty member of the Catholic University of America (CUA), you already have full-text access to thousands of journals and e-books through the university library subscriptions. By linking Google Scholar with CUA’s library resources, you can make sure that Google Scholar recognizes your institutional access. Once linked, you will see “Find it @ CUA” links next to search results, which let you open the full article through your library login.

This guide will walk you through the process step by step.


Why Link Google Scholar to the CUA Library?

When you run a Google Scholar search from a personal device, Google does not automatically know you are affiliated with CUA. Without linking your account, you might miss full-text access and end up trying to pay for articles that are already covered by your tuition and library subscription.

Here are the key reasons to link your accounts:

  1. Direct access to full-text: You will see a “Find it @ CUA” link for articles available through the library.

  2. Remote access from anywhere: You can search from home, a café, or abroad and still get institutional access.

  3. Save time: Instead of searching in multiple databases separately, you can use Google Scholar as your main search tool and still connect to your library holdings.

  4. Support your research: Whether writing a paper, thesis, or dissertation, you will be able to pull more complete references without interruptions.


Step-by-Step Guide: Linking Google Scholar with CUA Library

Step 1: Open Google Scholar

Go to Google Scholar. Make sure you are logged into your Google account.

Step 2: Access Settings

In the top-left corner, click the three horizontal lines (menu icon). From the dropdown, select Settings.

Step 3: Go to “Library Links”

In the Settings menu, look for the option Library Links on the left side. Click on it.

Step 4: Search for “Catholic University of America”

In the search bar under Library Links, type Catholic University of America.

Google Scholar will search its library partners and return matching results.

Step 5: Select the CUA Library

Check the box next to “Catholic University of America – Find it @ CUA”.

If you also have accounts with other institutions (for example, if you’re a visiting scholar or alumni with library privileges), you can select multiple libraries.

Step 6: Save Settings

Scroll down and click Save.

Step 7: Run a Search

Now search for an article, book, or author in Google Scholar.

When CUA has access to the full text, you will see a link on the right side of the search result labeled “Find it @ CUA”. Clicking this will redirect you to the library system.

Step 8: Log in with Your CUA Credentials

If you are off campus, you may be prompted to log in using your CUA username and password. Once authenticated, you will be taken to the publisher’s site with full-text access.


Example: Using Google Scholar with CUA Access

Let’s say you are searching for an article on “climate change adaptation in urban planning.”

Without linking your CUA account, your Google Scholar results may show paywall links like [PDF from Publisher] or [Get access at $35].

But after linking, you will see an additional link on the right:
Find it @ CUA

Clicking this link will take you to the CUA library system, where you can download the article for free using your institutional access.


Additional Tips for Students

  1. Enable “My Library” in Google Scholar
    You can save useful articles to your Google Scholar Library. Click the star icon under each result, and later access them from the “My Library” section.

  2. Install the Google Scholar Button
    The Scholar browser extension lets you search from any webpage and check if CUA provides access.

  3. Use Advanced Search
    In Google Scholar, click the menu and select Advanced Search to narrow results by author, publication, or date range.

  4. Link ORCID and Google Scholar
    If you are a graduate student or researcher, consider linking your Google Scholar profile to your ORCID ID. This ensures your publications are correctly attributed and improves your academic visibility.

  5. Use CUA Databases in Combination
    While Google Scholar is broad, sometimes you need more precision. The CUA library provides direct access to subject-specific databases such as JSTOR, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. You can use them alongside Google Scholar for comprehensive results.


Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

  • Problem: I don’t see the “Find it @ CUA” link
    Solution: Go back to Settings → Library Links and make sure Catholic University of America is checked. If needed, clear your browser cache and repeat the setup.

  • Problem: The library link disappears when I switch devices
    Solution: Library link settings are stored in your browser, not your Google account. If you use a new computer, you must repeat the linking process.

  • Problem: I clicked “Find it @ CUA” but the article is still locked
    Solution: Not all publishers provide full-text access. Try logging in through the CUA Library website directly and searching from there.

  • Problem: I forgot my CUA credentials
    Solution: Reset your password through the CUA IT Services portal or contact the library help desk.


Benefits for Faculty and Researchers

Faculty members and graduate researchers also benefit greatly from this integration:

  • Easier access when working remotely on sabbatical or at conferences.

  • Faster discovery of relevant citations without duplicating searches in multiple databases.

  • Improved workflow when writing papers, grant proposals, or reports.

  • Seamless export of citations into reference managers like Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley.


Best Practices When Using Google Scholar with CUA

  1. Always log into your Google account before setting up Library Links.

  2. Periodically check your settings to ensure the CUA link is still active.

  3. Bookmark the CUA library homepage as a backup access point.

  4. Use Google Scholar in combination with subject-specific CUA databases for deeper research.

  5. Keep your Scholar profile updated so colleagues can find and cite your work.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to be on campus to use CUA library links in Google Scholar?
No. Once linked, you can use them from anywhere in the world. You will only need to log in with your CUA credentials when off campus.

2. Does this work on my phone or tablet?
Yes. You can link the CUA library from Google Scholar settings on any device, including mobile.

3. What if I already use databases directly from the CUA library website?
You can still do that. Linking Google Scholar is simply an additional convenience that allows you to discover content faster.

4. Can alumni use Google Scholar with CUA library access?
Access depends on alumni library privileges. Some resources may remain limited to current students and faculty.

5. Will linking my library to Google Scholar affect my personal Google account?
No. It only adds library links within Google Scholar and does not change any other Google services.

6. How do I know if an article is free without CUA access?
If the article is freely available, Google Scholar will show a [PDF] link from the publisher or repository. The “Find it @ CUA” link only appears when the library provides subscription access.

7. Do I have to repeat this process every time I log in?
No. Once you save your settings on a specific browser, they remain until you clear your cache or switch to another device.

8. Can I link more than one library?
Yes. If you are affiliated with multiple institutions, you can select more than one library link in your settings.

9. Is it possible to export citations from CUA-linked results?
Yes. Use the quotation mark icon in Google Scholar to export citations in MLA, APA, or Chicago style, or download them into Zotero or EndNote.

10. Where can I get more help?
You can contact the CUA University Libraries staff via the official library website or visit the reference desk on campus.


Conclusion

By linking Google Scholar to the Catholic University of America library resources, you gain full access to the university’s journal subscriptions, e-books, and research databases directly through your Scholar searches. This simple setup saves time, avoids paywalls, and supports your academic work whether you are on campus or studying remotely.

Every CUA student and faculty member should take a few minutes to set this up. It ensures you make the most of the resources the university already provides and strengthens your ability to succeed in research and writing.


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