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Introduction LibKey, available from Third Iron, is a suite of tools designed to increase discoverability of research and provide users with easy, one-click access to full text content. The core LibKey suite includes LibKey Discovery, LibKey Link, LibKey.io, and LibKey Nomad. There is also an additional tool available called LibKey Nomad++ that brings enhanced features and customization to LibKey Nomad. The LibKey API was initially launched by Third Iron in 2018 as part of BrowZine to simplify the user experience of accessing the full text of articles1. Since then, it has undergone several changes and improvements, including the release of LibKey Nomad++ in 2024. Content After subscribing to LibKey, libraries submit their logo, holdings information, and proxy URL to Third Iron to configure access. Other forms of authentication can also be used, and Third Iron provides robust documentation for setting up each LibKey service. Additional setup is needed on the library end to add LibKey Discovery into their discovery layer and LibKey Link to their link resolver. The LibKey API works with a library’s subscriptions as well as open access sources to direct users to the full text of an article. Using intelligent linking, it proceeds through a cascading waterfall to determine the best available format2, beginning with the OA version of record, proceeding to subscriptions with journals, then aggregators, and finally the OA non-version of record, such as pre-publication copies deposited in institutional repositories. If access is not available by any of the preceding methods, users are directed to interlibrary loan or document delivery options. The LibKey landing page is common across the LibKey tools, prompting users to select their library before displaying access options. Users can then choose the format they prefer for the full text (PDF or HTML), and if they would like LibKey to remember this choice for 24 hours. Clicking the full text link will route users through their library’s authentication process. If the library also subscribes to BrowZine, the option is shown to view the article in context; clicking on this will take users to the table of contents for the journal issue in which the article is included. The ability to view an article in context with others published in the same issue enhances discovery and engagement with the research literature. 
Figure 1. LibKey landing page with full text format options and link to view article in context. Credit: Third Iron/LibKey LibKey also incorporates retraction notices and expressions of concern, utilizing data from Retraction Watch, CrossRef’s Crossmark, and PubMed3. When users attempt to access a retracted article, an alternate version of the LibKey landing page is displayed that includes a link to the official notice, reasons for the retraction from Retraction Watch, and related articles, if available. Third Iron has also recently introduced second order retraction notices, which will alert users when the article they are accessing cites a retracted article. The goal of highlighting retraction notices and expressions of concern is to make them more transparent when retracted articles are discovered by researchers. 
Figure 2. Example of first order (left) and second order (right) retraction notices in LibKey. The first order retraction notice includes a link to the official notice and reasons for retraction as provided by Retraction Watch. The second order retraction notice includes a link to the retracted article being cited. Credit: Third Iron/Lib Key Features/Functionality The core LibKey suite consists of four tools: LibKey Discovery, LibKey Link, LibKey.io, and LibKey Nomad. LibKey Discovery works within a library’s discovery platform, adding direct links to the PDF or HTML versions of articles. These direct links reduce the number of click-throughs that users must follow to get to the full text of articles, reducing time and removing frustrations caused by broken links. For libraries that also subscribe to BrowZine, a link to view the article in context is also provided. Similar to LibKey Discovery, LibKey Link works in databases that utilize an OpenURL link resolver to provide direct linking to the full text of articles. LibKey Link is available for several major databases, including PubMed, UpToDate, and Scopus, as well as Google Scholar. Users are presented with a link to the full text that routes them to the LibKey landing page, and, if available, the option to view the complete issue on BrowZine also appears. Librarians can customize how the buttons appear with their library’s branding and configure routing behaviors for each individual database if desired. LibKey.io allows users to search for articles by DOI or PMID, instantly connecting them to the full text that they have access to through their library. Libraries can link to the LibKey.io URL directly or build a custom search box that can be embedded directly in websites or guides. After searching for a DOI or PMID and selecting their institution, users are taken to the familiar LibKey landing page. The LibKey.io linking syntax can also be used as a prefix to any DOI or PMID to easily create persistent, stable links for sharing with users. LibKey Nomad is a browser extension available for all major web browsers that connects users to library content while conducting web searches. When LibKey Nomad detects that full text is available, such as on a scholarly publisher website, a banner appears in the lower left corner of the browser with either a direct link to the full text or access options, depending on how the full text is available to that user. Some sites, such as Covidence or Micromedex, also have enhanced LibKey Nomad integrations that insert context-aware links or journal cover images, depending on the site4. Third Iron has recently expanded LibKey Nomad to also include ebooks from several major publishers, as well as popular sites such as Amazon, Wikipedia, and Google Books. Much like articles, when access is detected, a banner is displayed that provides users with a direct link to the content. For libraries that have ebooks on more than one platform, the priority order established in the library’s link resolver is followed. While downloading the LibKey Nomad extension is easy and quick, the downside is that it must be installed by users in their browser of choice. For libraries with the ability to deploy software site-wide, Third Iron recommends LibKey Nomad be centrally installed on all computers and workstations to make the extension readily available to all users. Third Iron maintains strict privacy, and the LibKey Nomad extension does not collect any identifying user information, nor is a user account required to use it. Third Iron’s newest product, LibKey Nomad++, is an additional subscription that enhances the functionality of existing LibKey Nomad access. Subscribing libraries are provided access to the Third Iron Admin Portal, features of which include advanced customization and branding, integration with Springshare LibChat (with support for other chat clients forthcoming), citation export, and intelligent domain messaging. While all these features enhance the user experience, the domain messaging in particular is where the expanded functionality lies. Librarians can set up custom messaging to be active on specific websites and include access instructions or a link to redirect users. Rules can be set that take into account subdomains, user authentication, and content link considerations. For example, a popular use for LibKey Nomad++ is to redirect users trying to access a newspaper, such as the New York Times, to a page with instructions for signing up through the library’s subscription. Other examples include displaying an announcement when a resource is down or providing a link to a survey to collect feedback during a product trial. Managing domain messaging in the admin portal is straightforward, and users who have already installed the LibKey Nomad extension will automatically see the additional features of Nomad++. Business Model The LibKey suite is available as an annual subscription and includes LibKey Discovery, LibKey.io, LibKey Link, and LibKey Nomad. It can also be bundled with BrowZine as part of the Third Iron Complete package. LibKey Nomad++ is a separate subscription that can be added by libraries that already have the LibKey suite. Cost is based on number of users, and trial access is available. Usage reports are provided by Third Iron and can be sent monthly, quarterly, or annually. Reports include an at-a-glance summary and a breakdown of full text downloads using each LibKey service. Third Iron has a robust knowledge base and is very responsive to support requests and feature recommendations. Success guides with strategies for implementing and promoting LibKey tool are available for academic, hospital, and special libraries. Frequent trainings are available, and new subscribers can schedule a customized overview for their library. Breakthrough The LibKey suite of tools makes it easy for libraries to increase the ease with which their users find and access the scientific literature. Academic, hospital, and special libraries can all benefit from these tools. While helpful to all users, those that frequently access resources remotely will especially appreciate the quick one-click access to full text and fewer authentication issues or broken links. The core LibKey suite is primarily for accessing journal articles, so libraries with a large collection of resources in other formats may not find the tools as valuable. They do not work with every platform, but Third Iron continues to increase the integrations available and take user feedback and suggestions seriously. The LibKey Nomad++ subscription adds increased customization and options for redirecting users to appropriate library resources and services. While an additional cost, it can be incredibly useful for libraries who want to point users to resources beyond the full text of journal articles and provide integration with citation management and chat services. One consideration for LibKey Nomad and Nomad++ is that the extension must be installed on a user’s computer. For those without site-wide software deployment capabilities, librarians must consider outreach and promotion strategies to make their users aware of these tools. References Seguin, J. 2019. The future of access: How a mosaic of next-gen solutions will deliver more convenient access to more users. Information Services & Use. https://doi.org/10.3233/ISU-190049 Third Iron Support. 2022. Open access linking and configuration options. Available from: https://support.thirdiron.com/support/solutions/articles/72000569332-open-access-linking-and-configuration-options Third Iron Support. 2025. About article retractions. Available from: https://support.thirdiron.com/support/solutions/articles/72000569841-about-article-retractions Third Iron Support. 2025. LibKey Nomad enhanced integrations. Available from: https://support.thirdiron.com/support/solutions/articles/72000569998-libkey-nomad-enhanced-integrations
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