Last week, Elsevier discontinued the University of California’s access to 2019 articles, and older articles in . Articles published before 2019 in the vast majority of journals used by UC scholars continue to be available via its online platform, ScienceDirect.
This represents a significant change for UC researchers. To provide support through that transition, the library is offering a range of tips and help sessions to help ٺƵ scholars access articles that are no longer directly available from the publisher’s website.
Search tools
Many articles are freely available online. Search tools and browser plug-ins like Unpaywall, Google Scholar and Open Access Button can help locate these open-access copies, which researchers can download immediately. For example, here’s a , a free browser extension for Chrome and Firefox that will provide you with direct links to full-text articles you’re searching for, when free versions are available. Video tutorials for the search tools and are also available.
Help sessions at the library
In the past, the library’s vast subscription package meant that many UC researchers never needed to use such tools to search for open-access versions. For those who would like help getting started, the library has scheduled drop-in sessions at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, July 16, 23 and 30) and 3 p.m. Thursdays (July 18 and 25, and Aug. 1) in 205 Shields Library. You may also ask for help by emailing elsevierquestions@ucdavis.edu. Deans and department chairs are also invited to request training for their college or department via the same contact email address.
Request a copy from the author
Many authors are happy to provide copies of articles when requested by email. Library databases like include authors’ email addresses. Modern professional networks like (free, one-time registration required) also offer one-click article request functionality.
Interlibrary loan
If a free version isn’t available (or you don’t have time to look), the library can get a copy for you. The ٺƵ Library has recently implemented new systems to support interlibrary loan on evenings and weekends, and to deliver requested articles within one business day or even within a few hours. (For urgent requests, use the note field to ask for an expedited copy.) If you haven’t used interlibrary loan before, see the library’s to learn how to . The library’s interlibrary loan staff can also be contacted seven days a week at hslborrow@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-1978 if you have questions.
How we got here
The discontinuation of UC’s access to 2019 Elsevier articles (and certain older publications) is the latest development since the university’s .
In the negotiations, UC was seeking an agreement that would not only continue UC’s access to Elsevier’s online journals, but also achieve the of containing rapidly escalating journal subscription costs and providing for open access publication of UC research. UC is hoping to reenter formal negotiations with Elsevier if the publisher indicates that they are willing to address those goals.
Meanwhile, the UC libraries will work hard to ensure that researchers have access to the articles they need, and will be carefully evaluating the impact of losing access to new articles on ScienceDirect over the coming months.
Learn more
- of the systemwide Academic Senate leadership on why it is important to “hold the line” so that “the UC can help change the system of scholarly communication for the betterment of all.”
- from University Librarian and Vice Provost of Digital Scholarship MacKenzie Smith in The Conversation.
- For the latest on the UC/Elsevier situation, or to receive timely updates from the library.
Comments and questions can be sent to the library at any time at elsevierquestions@ucdavis.edu.
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