Library Access

Library systems including OneSearch, databases, and other platforms use "link decoration" where URLs for licensed library content also include "EZProxy" and/or other account information. Links with EZProxy link decoration may be referred to as "proxied links." The additional link information directs users to an authentication process verifying eligibility to use the resources licensed by your college.

In other words, you sign in with your college credentials before you are allowed access to the content.

EZProxy and other library systems recognize campus IP addresses. This means that most often, when you are at your college library or on campus using campus wifi, you will not be required to sign in to view licensed library content.

When off campus, you will be required to sign in.

Be sure to use links with the correct proxy and library account information to ensure you get free access to content licensed by your library. Often, the same content is available directly from a publisher's or other platform website, which is just a Google search away. However, publishers keep this licensed content behind a pay wall, and you may be asked to pay for access when the proxy information is not present.

To avoid pay walls when doing research, follow links from your library website, including those found in OneSearch, library databases, and other library research services and platforms.

Google Scholar is a search engine that focuses on academic works and scholarly literature. Some Google Scholar search results are available to you freely from your library or other sources. Other Google Scholar search results are available from publishers, and are behind a pay wall.

OneSearch "publishes" your libraries' online resources to Google Scholar. You can search Google Scholar and follow library links directly from the Google Scholar search results whenever the result is available from your library.

To be sure you have access to library links in Google Scholar you can either:

• Search your college library's Google Scholar profile using links provided by your college library or the buttons below
• Link your personal Google Scholar profile to your college library using the "Library Links" feature in Google Scholar settings

Search your college library's Google Scholar profile

Anytime you search Google Scholar using your college's profile, search results will automatically include library links. Library liks connect you to OneSearch, where you can click through and authenticate with your college's licensed content providers. No Google sign in is required for this method of accessing Google Scholar library links.

Cañada Google Scholar CSM Google Scholar Skyline Google Scholar

1. Follow the Google Scholar link for your college above
2. Enter a search query
3. Look in search results for the "ViewIt@YourCollege" library link--Whenever it is present, click through for access options at your library. Other openly available view it options may also be available from other sources.

Google Scholar will include search results that are not available freely to you from your college library or other sources. As needed, contact your library for help accessing content without a library link and that is behind a pay wall--the library may be able to help you get it freely from another source.

Link your personal Google Scholar profile to your college library's online resources:

1. Sign in to Google Scholar with your @my.smccd.edu or personal Google account
2. Expand the Google Scholar menu, and select "Settings"
3. Choose "Library links" from the settings menu
4. Search for your college
5. Select the option(s) listed for your library.
   Examples: Cañada College Library - ViewIt@CañadaLibrary; College of San Mateo Library - ViewIt@CSMLibrary; and Skyline College Library - ViewIt@SkylineCollege
6. Save

Once configured, your Google Scholar account library link settings will be retained until you change them. You can add library links for up to five libraries or organizations you are affiliated with. If you are a student at more than one college campus, it is recommended you add library links for each one you are taking classes at.

Anytime you search Google Scholar while signed in to your Google account, search results will include access links for resources licensed by your college when available. As needed, contact your library for help accessing content without a library link--they may be able to help you get it from another source.

Some licensed library resources such as Films on Demand are integrated with Canvas. When using these resources within Canvas, no additional authentication is required, since you are already signed in to Canvas. Your college library partners with the Canvas team at your college to manage this. Only some library resource content providers have Canvas integrations available. Please contact your library for support using library resources in Canvas.