Unpaywall

Unpaywall is a free, open-source browser extension that enables users to access legally available open-access versions of scholarly articles. Developed by the nonprofit organization OurResearch, Unpaywall integrates seamlessly into Chrome and Firefox browsers, providing a straightforward way to discover open-access versions of academic papers.

Key Features

• Legal Open Access Retrieval: Unpaywall searches for legally available open-access versions of scholarly articles, including those from institutional repositories and preprint servers.

• Browser Integration: Once installed, Unpaywall adds a small icon to the side of the browser window when viewing a research article. A green icon indicates that a free, legal version is available; clicking it directs the user to the open-access version.

• Extensive Database: The tool indexes content from over 50,000 journals and repositories, including sources like DOAJ, PubMed Central, Crossref, and DataCite.

• Simple Query Tool: For bulk searches, Unpaywall offers a Simple Query Tool that allows users to input up to 500 DOIs at once to check their open-access status.

How It Works

Unpaywall operates by identifying Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) on webpages and cross-referencing them with its database to find open-access versions. If an open-access version is found, the extension provides a direct link to it. This process helps users bypass paywalls legally by accessing versions of articles that authors have made freely available.

Use Cases

• Researchers and Academics: Quickly access open-access versions of articles for literature reviews and research purposes.

• Students: Obtain necessary readings without institutional access or subscription fees.

• Librarians: Assist patrons in finding accessible scholarly materials.

By facilitating access to open-access scholarly articles, Unpaywall supports the dissemination of knowledge and promotes equitable access to academic research.