How to Set Up Google Scholar for American University (AU) Library Full-Text Access

 

How to Set Up Google Scholar for American University (AU) Library Full-Text Access

 Introduction

Accessing reliable scholarly content is essential for students, faculty, and researchers. Google Scholar is one of the most widely used platforms for academic discovery, but many of its results link only to abstracts or paywalled publisher pages. For students and faculty at American University (AU), Washington, DC, there is a solution. By linking Google Scholar with AU Library’s holdings, you can connect directly to the articles and e-resources the library subscribes to.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about setting up Google Scholar for AU Library full-text access, including step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and frequently asked questions.


Why Link Google Scholar to AU Library?

Many researchers start with Google Scholar because it covers journals, books, theses, conference papers, and repositories across multiple disciplines. Without linking to AU Library, you might see useful results but face a paywall when trying to access the full article.

When you enable AU Library links in Google Scholar:

  • A “Find It @ AU” link appears next to results when the library has licensed access.

  • Clicking the link routes you through AU’s authentication system, giving you access on or off campus.

  • You can save time, avoid duplicate searching, and make full use of the subscriptions that AU Library already provides.

This simple setup makes your research more efficient and ensures you do not miss out on resources the library pays for.


Before You Start

To complete this setup, you will need:

  • A device with internet access (laptop, desktop, or mobile).

  • A Google account (optional but recommended to save settings across devices).

  • Your AU credentials (username and password) for off-campus authentication.


Step-by-Step Setup for Google Scholar with AU Library

Step 1: Go to Google Scholar

Open your browser and type scholar.google.com. You will see the familiar Google Scholar search page.

If you want your settings to sync across devices, sign in with your Google account in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Open the Settings Menu

Click the three-line “hamburger” menu icon on the top-left corner of the page. From the menu, select Settings.

Step 3: Go to Library Links

In the Settings menu, click on Library links. This is where you can connect your institution’s library to Google Scholar.

Step 4: Search for American University

In the Library links search box, type American University or American University Washington DC. A result labeled American University Library – Find It @ AU should appear.

Step 5: Select the Library Link

Check the box next to American University Library – Find It @ AU.

If multiple results appear, make sure to choose the one specifically associated with AU in Washington, DC.

Step 6: Save Your Settings

Click Save. You will return to the main Scholar page, now configured with AU Library links.


Testing Your Setup

Once you have saved the settings:

  1. Enter a search term such as climate change policy or digital learning.

  2. Look at the right-hand side of the search results. If AU has access, you will see a link like Find It @ AU.

  3. Click the link.

    • If you are on campus, the article should open directly.

    • If you are off campus, you will be asked to log in with AU credentials before gaining access.

If this works, your setup is complete.




Accessing from Off-Campus

When working off campus, AU Library uses a proxy login system. After clicking Find It @ AU, you will see an authentication page. Enter your AU username and password. Once verified, you will be redirected to the full text through the publisher’s website or a database the library subscribes to.

This process ensures that access works seamlessly whether you are in the AU Library, at home, or abroad.


Common Issues and Solutions

Even with the correct setup, you may encounter some issues. Here are common scenarios:

1. No AU Links Appear

  • Make sure you are signed in and that you saved your settings.

  • Return to Settings > Library links and confirm the AU box is still checked.

  • If you switched browsers or devices, repeat the setup there.

2. Paywall Still Appears

  • Ensure you clicked Find It @ AU, not just the publisher link.

  • Check that you are logged in with AU credentials when off campus.

  • If the publisher blocks access, search directly in the AU Library catalog or database.

3. Multiple Institutions Appear

  • Select only American University Library – Find It @ AU (Washington, DC).

4. Settings Lost After Clearing Cookies

  • Sign in with your Google account before saving your settings. This syncs the preferences across devices and prevents loss when cookies are cleared.


Tips for Using Google Scholar with AU Library

  1. Use “My Library”
    Click the star icon under a result to save it for later. This helps keep track of articles you accessed with AU Library links.

  2. Set Up Alerts
    You can create alerts for specific keywords or authors. When new articles are indexed, you will receive an email. Many of these will include AU full-text links if available.

  3. Check Cited By
    Clicking “Cited by” below an article shows newer works that reference it. Many of those may also be available through AU.

  4. Export Citations
    Use the citation export options (BibTeX, EndNote, RefMan, etc.) and store AU links for future reference.

  5. Supplement with AU Databases
    Google Scholar is broad but not complete. For in-depth research, search AU Library’s subject databases alongside Google Scholar.




Why Some Articles Do Not Show AU Links

Not every article indexed in Google Scholar will display an AU link. Possible reasons include:

  • AU Library does not subscribe to that journal or publisher.

  • The publisher has not provided metadata for linking.

  • The item is a conference paper, working paper, or other type not covered by subscriptions.

In these cases, check the AU catalog or request the item through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). AU Library provides document delivery services for items not in its collection.


Advanced Uses for AU Researchers

  • Combine with Reference Managers: Import citations directly from Scholar into Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote, keeping AU links for easy retrieval.

  • Search by Author or Journal: Use the “Author” or “Source” filters to find AU-accessible publications by faculty members or journals in your field.

  • Use DOI Links: Even when an AU link is missing, pasting the DOI into AU Library’s search tool can sometimes provide access.


Security and Privacy Notes

When you click Find It @ AU, your authentication happens on AU systems, not through Google. Google Scholar only displays the library link. This separation means that AU verifies your affiliation securely while Google continues to provide the discovery platform.


Best Practices for Research at AU

  • Start broad searches in Google Scholar to gather initial results.

  • Use AU Library links to get full text whenever possible.

  • Combine Google Scholar with AU’s specialized databases for thorough coverage.

  • Always authenticate when off campus to unlock subscription content.

  • Keep track of articles using Scholar’s library feature or your reference manager.


FAQ

Q1: Do I need a Google account to use AU Library links?
No, but signing in with a Google account helps save settings, alerts, and searches across devices.

Q2: Will AU Library links work on mobile devices?
Yes. The steps are the same on smartphones and tablets. Log in with AU credentials when prompted off campus.

Q3: How do I know if AU has access to an article?
Look for the Find It @ AU link on the right side of the search result.

Q4: Why do I sometimes see both “Find It @ AU” and a publisher link?
The publisher link may lead to a paywall, but the AU link routes you through the library’s subscription. Always use the AU link for access.

Q5: What should I do if AU does not provide access to a specific article?
Check AU databases directly, look for open access versions, or request the item through Interlibrary Loan.

Q6: Do I need to repeat the setup on different devices?
If you sign in to your Google account and save your settings, they will sync across devices. Otherwise, you must repeat the steps on each device or browser.


Setting up Google Scholar for American University Library full-text access takes only a few minutes, but it can transform your research process. With AU links enabled, you will bypass paywalls, use AU’s subscriptions more effectively, and gain direct access to the scholarly resources you need.

Whether you are writing papers, conducting faculty research, or preparing publications, linking Google Scholar with AU Library ensures that your time is spent analyzing literature rather than hunting for full text. This simple setup is one of the best ways to make your academic research at AU more efficient and productive.

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