Lean Library

Lean Library

A library-approved tool to unlock access to academic papers.

What is Lean Library?
Lean Library is a free-to-use Chrome extension that acts as your personal library tool. It provides instant and legal access to a vast number of academic papers and facilitates access to your library's content whenever and wherever needed. It also offers direct support in the systems and webpages you use most for research, such as Google Scholar and PubMed. Lean Library can be utilized by those affiliated with an institution or by independent researchers, with redirection to open-access materials provided free.
Stats
Users: 200,000+
Version: 2024.5.0 (Last updated: 2024-03-11)
Creation date: 2020-07-01
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Moderate risk likelihood
Manifest version: 3
Permissions:
  • storage
  • tabs
  • alarms
  • activeTab
  • webNavigation
  • contextMenus
  • unlimitedStorage
  • webRequest
Host permissions:
  • http://*/*
  • https://*/*
  • <all_urls>
Size: 1.24M
Stats date:

Other platforms

Lean Library
Lean Library (v2024.5.0)
2.92 (48) 14,877+
Not available on Edge
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Summary

Put your library on your shoulder as you research

The Lean Library extension is a free tool which assists your library in delivering their services directly into your research workflow!

With the Lean Library extension, you can unlock access instantly and legally to millions of academic papers, streamline access to your library content whenever and wherever you might need it and get direct support within systems and web pages you use the most like Google Scholar, PubMed and thousand more!

Ready to start using Lean Library?

Install the extension, select your institution and begin researching! Even if you aren’t affiliated to an institution, you can still get quick and seamless redirection to open access materials absolutely free by downloading the extension and selecting Lean Library Open as your library.

Lean Library is a fantastic complement to other research tools you may already use including LibKey Nomad, EndNote Click and many more.

User reviews
User reviews summary
These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Saves money by directing users to freely available resources
  • Saves time when searching for academic papers
  • Provides access to paywalled articles through open access alternatives
  • Useful for off-campus access to online resources provided by academic libraries
Cons
  • Interferes with other extensions like Mendeley and Google Translate
  • Causes the whole Chrome window to become a blank screen
  • Refreshes pages and causes redirect loops
  • May have compatibility issues with certain websites or services
Most mentioned
  • Saves time when searching for academic papers
  • Interferes with other extensions
Recent reviews
Lean Library helped with my academic journey massively! As a first year university student, I used to struggle with accessing articles and resources online as lots of them caps me at only the abstract and references. After downloading I have lots of essays every term, and this tool helps me to access full text articles for free! I wish I knew this earlier... I was able to use more articles in my essay and helped me to achieve a better grade.
by Yuqiao Deng Yuqiao Deng, 2024-03-20

Fijn dat dit gratis is, ik heb het nog niet gebruikt maar goede verhalen over gehoord!
by Pascal C Pascal C, 2024-03-08

I work for the NHS and this saves me money as it directs me to freely available medical papers rather than paywalled ones.
by Amy Arnold Amy Arnold, 2024-02-26
View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

Lean Library is risky to use as it requires a number of sensitive permissions that can potentially harm your browser and steal your data. Exercise caution when installing this extension. Review carefully before installing. We recommend that you only install Lean Library if you trust the publisher.

Risk likelihood

Lean Library is probably trust-worthy. Prefer other publishers if available. Exercise caution when installing this extension.

Upgrade to see risk analysis details
Promo video
Screenshots
Promo images
Lean Library small promo image
Small promo image
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