Want to know whether your KB membership provides access to a particular book or magazine? With Lean Library, you get a notification in your preferred browser (search environment) when a publication is also available at the KB. Lean Library looks for free versions of texts (also known as 'open access' versions). Here's how Lean Library works and how to use it.
What is Lean Library?
Lean Library is a browser extension that notifies you whether you can access a text using your KB membership or via open access. This means that you don't have to do a separate search on KB's site and can stay in your preferred search environment.
Not a KB member yet? Memberships cost no more than €15 a year.
Lean Library places an icon in your browser, probably near your bookmarks. This icon changes colour when you visit a web page with books or other texts that you can also read via the KB or open access. The icon can appear in three different colours:
- Green: the text you are viewing in your browser is available through the KB or has open access.
- Grey: the text you are viewing in your browser is not available through the KB and does not have open access.
- Yellow: the Lean Library has a message for you.
When the icon turns green, click on it to see what Lean Library has found for you. You will see a pop-up with availability information:
- If the KB offers access to the text, you will see a link to the KB site where you can log in to view the text.
If an open access version is available, Lean Library will show you a link to this version. You won't even have to log in.
How do I install Lean Library?
Install Lean Library in just 4 steps:
- Go to leanlibrary.com/download.
- Download Lean Library. The version you need to download depends on your browser and device. Lean Library is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, Safari and Opera. You can also install it on your iPhone or iPad.
- After you install Lean Library, a new window or tab will open with settings for the extension. Search for 'Koninklijke Bibliotheek' in the search field and click on 'Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB)'.
- Click on 'save'. You can now use Lean Library.
You can use Lean Library completely anonymously. Please read Lean Library's privacy policy for all information on the use of their services and your data.