How to Set Up Google Scholar for Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Library Full-Text Access

Google Scholar is one of the most widely used research tools for students and faculty. It searches across scholarly literature, including articles, theses, books, conference papers, and reports. While it is free to use, much of the content indexed in Google Scholar is locked behind paywalls. This is where linking Google Scholar with your university library becomes valuable.

If you are a student, faculty member, or researcher at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), you have access to thousands of journals and databases through the Newton Gresham Library. By connecting Google Scholar to SHSU Library, you can see which results are available in full text through the library’s subscriptions. This guide explains how to set it up, why it matters, and how to troubleshoot issues.

Why Connect Google Scholar to SHSU Library?

When you search Google Scholar without connecting it to SHSU, you might see abstracts of articles but run into paywalls when you try to read them. Many journals charge $30–$50 per article for non-subscribers. Since SHSU Library already pays for access to these journals, connecting your Scholar account ensures you never waste time or money.

Here are the main benefits:

• Access SHSU-subscribed journals directly in Google Scholar.

• See Find It @ SHSU links next to articles available through the library.

• Use SHSU credentials for off-campus access.

• Save time switching between Google Scholar and the library catalog.

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

Follow these steps to set up Google Scholar with SHSU Library full-text access:

Step 1: Open Google Scholar Settings

1. Go to Google Scholar.

2. Click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the upper-left corner.

3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Choose “Library Links”

1. In the Settings menu, click on Library links.

2. A search bar will appear where you can look for your institution.

Step 3: Search for Sam Houston State University

1. Type Sam Houston State University in the search bar.

2. Check the box next to Sam Houston State University – Find It @ SHSU.

Step 4: Save Your Settings

1. After checking the box, click the Save button at the bottom.

2. You will return to the main Google Scholar page, but now SHSU links are activated.

Step 5: Test Your Setup

1. Perform a quick search, for example, type climate change policy.

2. Look at the right-hand side of the results.

3. If SHSU has access to the article, you will see a link such as Find It @ SHSU.

Clicking this link will redirect you through SHSU Library’s authentication system. If you are off-campus, you will log in with your SHSU username and password.

Also Read: Google Scholar Notes: Complete Guide for Students and Researchers

Off-Campus Access

Many students work from home, coffee shops, or other locations outside the SHSU campus. Google Scholar works smoothly off-campus, but you will need to authenticate your SHSU status.

Here is what to expect:

• Click a Find It @ SHSU link.

• A page will prompt you to sign in with your SHSU credentials (the same username and password used for MySam and Blackboard).

• After signing in, you will be redirected to the article in full text.

Once you log in, your access should remain active during your browser session.

Using Google Scholar with SHSU Library Effectively

Linking is only the first step. To make the most of this integration, use these strategies:

1. Combine Google Scholar with SHSU Databases

SHSU Library subscribes to powerful databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect. While Google Scholar is broad, these databases provide advanced filters and discipline-specific searching. If you find an article in Scholar that is difficult to access, try searching directly in an SHSU database.

2. Use the “Cited By” Feature

When you see an article that is useful, click Cited by underneath it. This shows newer research that has cited the article. Combined with SHSU access, you will often be able to retrieve those citing papers as well.

3. Set Up Google Scholar Alerts

You can create alerts for keywords or authors. For example, if you are researching “criminal justice reform,” set an alert, and Google Scholar will email you new publications. Since you have SHSU Library linked, you will be able to check if the new results are accessible via Find It @ SHSU.

4. Use “My Library” Feature in Scholar

You can save articles to your Google Scholar library. If they are SHSU-accessible, you will see the full text later without repeating your search.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the setup, you may run into a few challenges. Here are common problems and solutions:

Problem 1: I do not see “Find It @ SHSU” links.

• Make sure you saved your settings after selecting Sam Houston State University.

• Check if cookies are enabled in your browser. If cookies are blocked, Scholar cannot remember your library selection.

Problem 2: I see the link, but it asks me to pay.

• You might not be logged in with your SHSU credentials. Click the link, sign in, and try again.

• SHSU Library might not subscribe to that specific journal. If so, request the article through Interlibrary Loan on the library website.

Problem 3: I switched browsers and lost my setup.

• The library link setting is browser-specific. Repeat the setup steps in each browser or device.

Problem 4: I am logged in but still cannot access articles.

• Try clearing your browser cache and repeating the setup.

• Contact SHSU Library’s help desk for support if the issue persists.

Also Read: How to Search by Journal in Google Scholar

Additional Tips for SHSU Students and Researchers

• Install SHSU Library Browser Tools: Some browsers allow extensions or bookmarks to connect you more easily to SHSU Library content.

• Check Open Access Versions: Even if SHSU does not subscribe, Google Scholar often links to free versions, such as those in institutional repositories.

• Use Advanced Search: In Google Scholar, click the menu, then Advanced Search to filter by author, date, or journal. This narrows results and improves efficiency.

• Sync with Citation Managers: Export citations from Google Scholar to tools like Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley for easier referencing.

Why This Setup Matters for Research Success

Sam Houston State University supports its students and faculty with strong library resources. Linking Google Scholar ensures you get maximum benefit from these subscriptions. Without this setup, you risk hitting unnecessary paywalls, overlooking important literature, or wasting time. By connecting the two, you make your research process smoother and more cost-effective.

Graduate students working on theses, undergraduates writing papers, and faculty publishing research all benefit from a unified research environment. Google Scholar’s breadth combined with SHSU Library’s depth gives you both discovery and access.

Also Read: How to Search by Author in Google Scholar

Final Thoughts

Setting up Google Scholar to link with Sam Houston State University Library is simple but powerful. In a few clicks, you ensure that your searches in Google Scholar automatically check SHSU’s subscriptions. Whether you are researching criminal justice, education, health sciences, or business, this connection saves time, removes paywalls, and supports your academic success.

FAQ

1. Do I need a Google account to use Google Scholar with SHSU Library?
No. You do not need a Google account to use Scholar. A Google account only helps if you want to save searches or set up alerts.

2. How do I know if SHSU Library has access to an article?
If the library has access, you will see a link labeled Find It @ SHSU next to the search result.

3. What if I am studying off-campus?
You can still access materials. Click the Find It @ SHSU link and log in with your SHSU credentials.

4. Do I need to repeat the setup on different devices?
Yes. Each browser or device requires you to set up the library link once.

5. Why do some articles not show the SHSU link?
Either SHSU Library does not subscribe to the journal, or the publisher has not shared data with Google Scholar. You can request these articles through Interlibrary Loan.

6. Can I use this on my phone?
Yes. The process works the same on mobile devices. You just need to open Google Scholar in your browser and adjust the settings.

Note: 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