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Using E-Resources

This guide explains how to access resources from off-campus. If you are looking for a database, visit the library's A-Z Database page

Introduction

Access Library Resources from Off-Campus

Most subscription websites keep their content locked, only allowing subscribers access. When visiting these sites on a campus computer, the site provider recognizes the computer's IP address and Penn affiliation and unlocks the content.

On a personal device, the site gatekeeper does not recognize your IP address, so you are asked to pay for access. The solution is to connect through a library's proxy server. The proxy server's IP address is recognized by site gatekeepers as affiliated with the University.

Tip: Start at the Library Website

Start your research on the Biddle Law Library's website or the Penn Libraries website.

All the e-resource links on the library sites contain the libraries' proxy information that routes users to the Pennkey login page.

There are many other options to access e-resources off campus described in this guide.

Add Biddle Bookmarklet to Web Browser

Biddle Bookmarklet

Once these bookmarklets are added to your browser, access to library resources is one click away.

Browse to your resource first. Then click the browser bookmarklet to prompt PennKey login page.

Each Web browser handles bookmarklets differently. See instructions below.

Note: The bookmarklet works for Biddle's licensed databases only. For accessing Penn Libraries' databases, you need to install Lean Library.


Firefox

Right-click the link, and select the "Bookmark This Link":

Biddle Bookmarklet

Google Chrome

Click View in menu and select "Always Show Bookmarks Bar"

Drag the link below to your bookmarks bar.

Biddle Bookmarklet

Microsoft Edge

Click View in menu and select "Always Show Favorites Bar"

Drag the link below to your favorites bar.

Biddle Bookmarklet

Safari

Click Bookmarks in menu and select "Show Bookmarks"

Drag the link below to your bookmarks toolbar.

Biddle Bookmarklet

Install Lean Library

Lean Library browser extension for off-campus access to library resources

Lean Library Access browser extension allows you to easily access Penn Libraries' licensed content from your laptop or desktop computer when off-campus. Once installed, when you land on content licensed by Penn Libraries, the extension icon will turn from grey to green  letting you know that, as a member of the Penn community, you have access to that content.

Clicking on thegreen Library Access icon will display a pop-up window that provides information on how to access  content.

NOTE: For databases that require individual logins (e.g. Lexis, Washington Post) Lean Library may interfere with access. The solution: go to the Lean Library Settings and UNCHECK the option "Automate my authentication and skip associated pop-ups."

For more instructions, visit the Penn Libraries Guide on Lean Library

Add Library Links in Google Scholar Settings

Google Scholar

Turn on Library Links in Google Scholar in order to connect to the Penn Libraries licensed databases for fulltext access.

  1. Log in to your Google Account.
  2. Go to Google Scholar Settings.
  3. Click Library Links in menu.
  4. Type University of Pennsylvania in Search box.
  5. Place a check next to the "University of Pennsylvania  Libraries - Fulltext via Penn Text" in the results list.
  6. Click Save.

Now, when you search Google Scholar, you will see "Fulltext via Penntext" links next to records in the list of search results. Click these links to connect to library databases that provide access to the article.


Screenshot of Google Scholar Settings page

Add Proxy Information to Resource URL

Proxy Prefix

Add the proxy information to any subscription resource URL that uses IP authentication. Paste the information in front of the publisher's URL. You'll then be prompted to enter your PennKey and password.

Penn Carey Law Proxy Prepend

https://pennlaw.idm.oclc.org/login?url=

Example

https://pennlaw.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.law360.com

Penn Libraries Proxy Prepend

https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/login?url=

Example

https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/login?url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/Welcome