Lean Library Access
Library Access is a browser extension for Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari and Microsoft Edge that makes it easier to access electronic resource content courtesy of The University of Manchester Library.
When you are off-campus, you can use the extension to read electronic journal articles, e-books, reviews and other online material provided by the Library without having to visit the Library website first.
"Thanks to your tweet at the end of last week, I have installed the browser extension for seamless access to the UoM Library. Very useful!" - Professor Francoise Tissuer, School of Mathematics
"I wanted to say how much easier life has been when doing research with the roll out of the Library Access plug-in for web browsers" - Postgraduate, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
How to use Lean Library Access
When you consult websites providing journals or databases which The University of Manchester Library subscribe to, a pop-up notification will appear.
This will be either a pop-up message at the top of the screen or a small circular message at the bottom of the screen.
Please note that these pop-up styles can be adjusted, with an explanation for how to do so featured later in this webpage.
By clicking this notification, you will be redirected to the University Login Service page.
Features of Library Access
Highlight and search
One recent feature of Lean Library Access is the ‘highlight & search’ feature which enables users to search the Library catalogue for terms and phrases found during their research process.
To use the feature first highlight your chosen phrase, right click, scroll down to the ‘Search Library Search (University of Manchester)’ option in the drop-down menu, then wait for your Library Search results to pop up in a new window.
Customisations
Lean Library Access has a variety of additional features that enable users to tailor the browser extension to their particular needs. To access these features, select the ‘Lean Library Access’ icon (the ‘LL’ symbol in your browser extension icons area). Selecting the green sliding icon turns the browser extension on and off. Selecting the ‘home’ icon makes the message a static feature of the webpage, whereas the ‘return to message’ icon makes the message a pop up with a timer again.
The ‘settings’ button triggers a new tab pop up that lists the range of customisation options available to users. Under the ‘general’ section, users can select multiple institutions, chose from a range of text sizes, and select the location where the floating button appears.
In the ‘Notifications’ section, users can adjust their notification preferences to suit their research needs.
How to install Library Access
The browser extension requires a ‘once only’ installation process of two mouse clicks on your laptop or PC.
To install Library Access please visit the Lean Library website:
Simply install the extension and select ‘University of Manchester’ and it will pop-up and notify you when you are on a website that the Library has a subscription for.
For support with Library Access, please email the Electronic Resources Helpdesk.
Browser requirements
Please ensure that you have the latest version of your browser installed.
Lean Library Open
For alumni and external users, Lean Library provides Lean Library Open which highlights Open Access resources which can be accessed by all.
Information on how to download this browser extension is available using the download link above.