How to Set Up Google Scholar for Northwest University (NU) Library Full-Text Access

Google Scholar is one of the most used research tools for students and faculty across the world. It provides access to scholarly articles, theses, books, and conference papers across different disciplines. The challenge for many users is that while Google Scholar gives access to abstracts and citations for free, much of the full-text content is locked behind paywalls.

If you are part of Northwest University, you do not need to pay for most of these articles. The Northwest University (NU) Library provides subscriptions to many academic publishers and databases. By linking your Google Scholar account with the NU Library, you will be able to access full-text materials directly through the library’s subscriptions. This guide explains why you should set up this connection, how to do it step by step, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

Why Link Google Scholar with the Northwest University Library

Linking Google Scholar with NU Library gives you several advantages:

1. Direct full-text access: Instead of hitting paywalls, you get direct links to content covered by NU Library subscriptions.

2. Time saving: You avoid switching between the Google Scholar interface and the library website every time you need an article.

3. Remote access: Even when you are off campus, you can log in with your NU credentials to confirm your affiliation and still reach the subscribed content.

4. Cost savings: Journal articles can be expensive if purchased individually. By using your library’s subscriptions, you save money.

5. Efficient research workflow: You get smoother navigation from search results to full-text articles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Google Scholar with NU Library

Step 1: Go to Google Scholar

• Visit scholar.google.com.

• If you use Google Scholar regularly, make sure you are signed in to your Google account. This helps save your settings, searches, and alerts.

Step 2: Open the Settings Menu

• Look at the top left of the page and click on the three horizontal lines (menu icon).

• From the drop-down menu, select Settings.

Step 3: Choose Library Links

• Inside the Settings panel, click on Library links.

• A search box will appear where you can search for your institution.

Step 4: Search for Northwest University

• In the search box, type “Northwest University.”

• You should see a result like Northwest University Library – Find at NU or a similar label.

• Check the box next to it.

Step 5: Save Your Settings

• Once you check the box, click Save.

• Your settings will now be active, and your searches will show NU Library links when available.

How to Recognize NU Library Links in Google Scholar

After you set up your library links, when you search in Google Scholar you will start to see a link on the right-hand side of certain search results. The link usually says something like Find at NU or Full Text at NU.

Clicking these links will send you to the NU Library system. If you are on campus, you will usually go directly to the article. If you are off campus, you will be asked to log in with your NU username and password. Once logged in, you will have access to the full text.

Off-Campus Access

One of the biggest advantages of setting up NU Library links in Google Scholar is that it works off campus. Many publishers restrict access based on IP addresses. On campus, your device is recognized as part of the NU network. Off campus, you need to authenticate.

When you click a Find at NU link from home or another location, you will be redirected to the library proxy login page. Enter your NU username and password. After logging in, you will be taken to the full-text article or e-book.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Google Scholar with NU Library

Use the “My Library” Feature

When you find useful articles, click the star icon under the result to save them to your Google Scholar library. This makes it easy to return to them later.

Export Citations

Google Scholar lets you export citations in formats like BibTeX, EndNote, RefMan, and RefWorks. If you use citation managers such as Zotero or Mendeley, this saves you time.

Set Up Alerts

If you are working on a research topic, you can set alerts so that you receive email notifications when new articles are published on that subject.

Use Advanced Search

Click the menu, then select Advanced search. This lets you refine your search by author, publication, and date.

Combine with Subject Databases

Google Scholar is broad but not comprehensive. For more specialized searching, also use the databases provided through NU Library, such as JSTOR, PubMed, or subject-specific databases.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem 1: “Find at NU” does not appear

• Check your Google Scholar settings. Go to Library links and make sure Northwest University Library is selected.

• Ensure you are signed in to your Google account so the settings are saved.

Problem 2: Still seeing paywalls

• If you are off campus, make sure you log in with your NU credentials when prompted.

• If the publisher site still blocks access, try searching for the article directly through the NU Library website.

Problem 3: Multiple “Northwest” options

• Select the one labeled specifically as Northwest University Library – Find at NU. Do not confuse it with other institutions that have “Northwest” in their name.

Problem 4: Browser issues

• Sometimes cookies or cache prevent your settings from saving. Try clearing your cache or using a different browser.

Why Students and Faculty Should Use This Setup

Academic resources are expensive. Many journal articles cost between $30 and $50 each if purchased individually. As an NU student or faculty member, you already have access through your library’s subscriptions. Linking Google Scholar with NU Library ensures you get full value from your tuition and library fees.

Students benefit by accessing the materials needed for essays, projects, and dissertations. Faculty members save time when preparing lectures, writing papers, or conducting research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need a special Google account to set this up?
No. You can use any Google account. The important step is linking your Google Scholar account with the NU Library in the settings.

Q2: How do I know if I am getting access through NU Library?
You will see a link such as Find at NU or Full Text at NU next to the article in Google Scholar. Clicking this will take you through the NU Library system.

Q3: Do I have to repeat the setup on every device?
Yes, you need to repeat the setup on each browser or device you use. Once you set it on your Google account in that browser, the setting remains unless you clear cookies or log out.

Q4: Can I access NU Library links when I am at home?
Yes. When you click Find at NU, you will be redirected to log in with your NU credentials. Once logged in, you can access the full text.

Q5: Why do some articles still not have NU links?
The library might not have a subscription to that specific journal. In that case, you can request the article through Interlibrary Loan.

Q6: Does this work on mobile devices?
Yes. As long as you are signed in to the same Google account and have set up the NU Library link in settings, you will see the links on your phone or tablet.

Q7: Can I still search directly through the NU Library website?
Yes. Using NU Library databases directly is always an option. Linking Google Scholar simply gives you another convenient way to access full-text materials.

Q8: What should I do if the link takes me to a paywall?
First, make sure you are logged in with your NU credentials. If that does not solve the issue, try going through the NU Library website or request the article through Interlibrary Loan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need a special Google account to set this up?
No. You can use any Google account. The important step is linking your Google Scholar account with the NU Library in the settings.

Q2: How do I know if I am getting access through NU Library?
You will see a link such as Find at NU or Full Text at NU next to the article in Google Scholar. Clicking this will take you through the NU Library system.

Q3: Do I have to repeat the setup on every device?
Yes, you need to repeat the setup on each browser or device you use. Once you set it on your Google account in that browser, the setting remains unless you clear cookies or log out.

Q4: Can I access NU Library links when I am at home?
Yes. When you click Find at NU, you will be redirected to log in with your NU credentials. Once logged in, you can access the full text.

Q5: Why do some articles still not have NU links?
The library might not have a subscription to that specific journal. In that case, you can request the article through Interlibrary Loan.

Q6: Does this work on mobile devices?
Yes. As long as you are signed in to the same Google account and have set up the NU Library link in settings, you will see the links on your phone or tablet.

Q7: Can I still search directly through the NU Library website?
Yes. Using NU Library databases directly is always an option. Linking Google Scholar simply gives you another convenient way to access full-text materials.

Q8: What should I do if the link takes me to a paywall?
First, make sure you are logged in with your NU credentials. If that does not solve the issue, try going through the NU Library website or request the article through Interlibrary Loan.

Connecting Google Scholar with Northwest University Library is one of the simplest but most effective steps you can take to improve your research workflow. It takes less than five minutes to set up and ensures you have full access to the resources that the library has already subscribed to on your behalf.

By setting this up, you will save time, avoid unnecessary costs, and get reliable access to academic materials both on campus and off campus. Whether you are a student writing a paper, a faculty member preparing a lecture, or a researcher publishing your work, linking Google Scholar with NU Library is an essential step in making your research process more efficient and productive.

If you are a student or researcher looking for guides on linking Google Scholar to your university library access, visit our Google Scholar Guides category page for step-by-step tutorials and resources