How to Set Up Google Scholar for The University of Alabama Libraries Full-Text Access

Google Scholar is one of the most widely used academic search engines. It helps you find scholarly articles, theses, books, and conference papers across a wide range of disciplines. While it gives you access to abstracts and citations for free, many articles are locked behind paywalls. If you are a student, faculty member, or staff at The University of Alabama, you can link your Google Scholar account to The University of Alabama Libraries. This will allow you to access full-text articles directly through the library’s subscriptions without hitting those paywalls.

This guide explains how to set up Google Scholar for The University of Alabama Libraries full-text access, why it matters for your research, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Why Link Google Scholar with The University of Alabama Libraries

When you run a search on Google Scholar, you often see links like “Find it @ UA” or “Full Text @ UA” next to certain articles. These links appear only when you have connected Google Scholar with The University of Alabama Libraries. By linking, you get these advantages:

1. Full-text access through subscriptions: You avoid paywalls and directly read articles your library already pays for.

2. Convenience: You do not need to log in separately to multiple journal sites. Google Scholar recognizes your University of Alabama affiliation and connects you to the correct publisher version.

3. Efficient research: You save time moving from citation to full-text in fewer clicks.

4. Remote access: Even if you are off-campus, you can still access resources by logging in with your myBama credentials.

Step-by-Step: Linking Google Scholar to The University of Alabama Libraries

Follow these steps to connect your Google Scholar account with the library:

Step 1: Open Google Scholar Settings

1. Go to Google Scholar.

2. Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.

3. Select Settings from the drop-down list.

Step 2: Select Library Links

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

2. A search box will appear where you can type the name of your institution.

Step 3: Search for The University of Alabama

1. Type “University of Alabama” in the search box.

2. A result will appear labeled The University of Alabama Libraries – Find it @ UA.

Step 4: Check the Box

1. Check the box next to The University of Alabama Libraries – Find it @ UA.

2. If you see multiple options related to Alabama, select the official University of Alabama Libraries one.

Step 5: Save Your Settings

1. After selecting the box, click Save.

2. You will return to the main Google Scholar search page with your settings active.

Also Read: How to Set Up Google Scholar with University Library Resources for Full-Text Access

How to Recognize University of Alabama Full-Text Links

Once your settings are saved, you will start seeing Find it @ UA links next to certain search results in Google Scholar. These links indicate that The University of Alabama Libraries provides access to the article.

For example, if you search for an article on healthcare policy and the library has a subscription to the journal, you will see a clickable Find it @ UA link on the right-hand side of the result. Clicking this link will take you through the library’s proxy server. If you are off-campus, you will log in with your myBama credentials to confirm your affiliation.

Off-Campus Access and myBama Login

If you are off-campus, you need to authenticate yourself as a University of Alabama user. After clicking a Find it @ UA link, you will be redirected to the library proxy page. Log in using your myBama username and password. Once authenticated, you will be able to access the full-text article.

This process ensures that you get the same access from home or anywhere else as you would from a library computer on campus.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Google Scholar with UA Libraries

1. Use the “My Library” Feature

You can save citations and articles in your personal Google Scholar library by clicking the star icon under a result. This makes it easier to collect and organize references for your projects.

2. Export Citations

Google Scholar lets you export citations in formats like BibTeX, EndNote, or RefMan. This works well if you use citation managers like Zotero or Mendeley.

3. Set Up Alerts

You can create alerts to receive email notifications when new research in your area of interest is published. Alerts help you stay updated without having to run the same searches repeatedly.

4. Use Advanced Search

Click the menu and select Advanced search to refine your searches by author, publication, or date. This improves your results and reduces irrelevant articles.

5. Combine Google Scholar with UA Databases

Google Scholar is powerful but not comprehensive. Combine it with subject-specific databases available through The University of Alabama Libraries such as PubMed, PsycINFO, or JSTOR. This ensures you do not miss important resources.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Problem 1: “Find it @ UA” does not appear

• Solution: Check your settings again and make sure The University of Alabama Libraries option is checked under Library Links.

• If you are using a different Google account, confirm that the settings are applied to the account you are signed in with.

Problem 2: Still hitting paywalls

• Solution: Make sure you are logged in with your myBama credentials when off-campus. If you skip the login step, the publisher site will think you are a guest and block access.

Problem 3: Confusing multiple Alabama results

• Solution: Select only the option labeled The University of Alabama Libraries – Find it @ UA. Do not select other institutions like Alabama State University unless you have affiliations there.

Problem 4: Browser cache issues

• Solution: Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. Sometimes old cookies prevent Google Scholar from recognizing updated library links.

Also Read: Google Scholar and Peer-Reviewed Sources: A Complete Guide for Students and Researchers

Why Students and Faculty Should Use This Setup

Linking Google Scholar with The University of Alabama Libraries is not optional if you want efficient and affordable access to research. Journals are expensive, and without library subscriptions, you would pay high fees for each article.

Faculty benefit because they can quickly gather sources for publications and lectures. Students benefit because they can access peer-reviewed research for assignments, theses, and projects. The University of Alabama Libraries has invested in these resources, so connecting Google Scholar ensures you take full advantage of what you already have access to.

FAQ on Setting Up Google Scholar with The University of Alabama Libraries

Q1: Do I need a special Google account for this to work?
No. You can use any Google account. What matters is selecting the right library link in your Google Scholar settings.

Q2: How do I know if I am getting full-text through UA Libraries?
You will see a link labeled Find it @ UA next to search results. Clicking this link will take you through the library’s subscription access.

Q3: What if I am not on campus?
You will be asked to log in with your myBama credentials after clicking the Find it @ UA link. This confirms you are affiliated with the University of Alabama.

Q4: Do I need to redo this setup every time?
No. Once you save your settings in Google Scholar, they remain active unless you clear your cookies or change accounts. If you switch devices or browsers, you may need to repeat the setup.

Q5: Why do some results still not have “Find it @ UA”?
The library might not subscribe to every journal. In that case, you may need to request the article through interlibrary loan. The University of Alabama Libraries provides this service at no cost to students and faculty.

Q6: Can I use Google Scholar on my phone with this setup?
Yes. If you set the library link in your Google Scholar account on a desktop, it will also work when you log in on mobile. Make sure you sign in with the same Google account.

Q7: What if I prefer to search directly in UA databases?
You can still use the UA Libraries website and databases directly. Linking Google Scholar simply gives you another convenient option when browsing broadly.

Q8: Does this setup give me access to books as well as articles?
It works best for journal articles. For books, Google Scholar may link you to Google Books or publisher sites. If UA Libraries has the book, you can check the catalog or use the Find it @ UA link if available.

Connecting Google Scholar with The University of Alabama Libraries is one of the simplest ways to improve your academic research workflow. In less than five minutes, you can set up the library link and unlock access to thousands of journals and articles. Once linked, every search you run in Google Scholar will highlight content available through your university subscriptions, saving you time and money.

By taking advantage of this setup, you make the most of the resources The University of Alabama Libraries provide, both on campus and remotely.

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