Using Electronic Resources

The Lean Library Access App allows you to easily access Penn Libraries' licensed content from your computer when off-campus. 

Getting Started

Download the Browser Extension

• Go to https://www.technologyfromsage.com/products/lean-library-extension/ and click the Download button that displays for the browser you are using. Grant permission as required.  Read the Privacy Policy.
• These browsers are supported:  Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.  Note: Lean Library tests its new releases against the latest versions of these browsers. 

Select library - University of Pennsylvania

If you are affiliated with multiple institutions that subscribe to Library Access, you can select more than one library from the pull-down menu. 

Decide the pop-up and timer options 

Choose whether or not to skip pop-ups when accessing licensed materials.  As the Library may provide customized information in the pop-up, we recommend leaving the box unchecked.   

Click Save 

How it Works

• Content licensed by Penn:  Once the extension is installed and when you are on a website that contains materials licensed by Penn Libraries, a pop-up will appear and direct you to either the full-text version or will direct you to log in to access full-text.  

• Finds ebooks and shows alternative access points

• Content not licensed:  For content that the Penn Libraries does not license, the extension will also automatically use an available Digital Object Identifier (DOI)  to check unpaywall for free, open-access versions.  (See more on unpaywall sources). Also, when appropriate, a pop-up will appear to guide you in making an Interlibrary loan request through the Penn Libraries, if you wish.

• Search engine integrations:  When you use Google Scholar or PubMed, Lean Library will enable direct PennText links in the search results. Through the PennText links, you can check for access to electronic and print holdings.