Download and update your Lean Library browser extension for uninterrupted access.
Off campus? Working on your thesis or paper at home? Looking for scholarly material for your presentation? Download the free Lean Library browser extension and access research material anytime, anywhere.
The Lean Library browser extension provides quick and simple access to digital content purchased by UM Libraries.
Using Lean Library means you spend less time searching for research material and more time studying, reading, and writing. With a few simple steps you’ll have access wherever and whenever you decide to study or do research, whether you’re in a neighbourhood coffee shop or at home, during the day or in the late hours of the night.
Learn more about how Lean Library can support your research.
The extension will automatically detect when you are on a website that contains content the library subscribes to. If you are off campus, you may be prompted to log in with your UMNetID credentials.
Once you are logged in, the Lean Library extension icon in the menu bar will turn an aqua colour if the library provides access to the article. A grey icon means that access is not available and Lean Library will automatically check for open access versions of the article or provide a link to interlibrary loan.
Download the Lean Library browser extension for quick and simple access to digital content purchased by UM Libraries.
Lean Library has recently completed some upgrades as part of ongoing efforts to improve the stability, reliability, security, and long-term performance of its services.
As part of recent Lean Library upgrades, an updated version of the Lean Library browser extension (version 2026.7.1 or later) is now available across all supported browser stores.
To ensure uninterrupted access to Lean Library services, update your Lean Library extension to version 2026.7.1 (or later) as soon as possible. After July 1, 2026, older extensions will no longer function.
UM Behind the Hire launches August 2025.
Laurie's message to students as we return from the winter term reading week.
