To streamline access to research materials, Galter Library, Pritzker Legal Research Center, and Northwestern University Libraries have implemented Article Galaxy Scholar, a new on-demand rapid document delivery service. This service, available for a select number of journals, supplements existing library collections and interlibrary loan (ILL) services, providing faculty, students, and staff with a faster way to obtain full-text journal articles through the library catalog, PubMed, and other library-licensed literature databases.

For Feinberg faculty, students, and staff, the process of finding and requesting articles will feel essentially the same. You will continue to search for materials using the library catalog, PubMed, or other databases. When you come across an article that the library doesn’t subscribe to, you have the option to select “Request PDF”.  

Once a request is submitted, eligible articles are automatically retrieved through rapid document delivery (Article Galaxy Scholar). Within minutes, a PDF opens directly in your browser for immediate access. At the same time, the article is sent to your Northwestern University email for download and long-term use. After downloading, save the PDF locally with a clear and recognizable file name to prevent duplicate requests. 

If an article is not eligible for rapid delivery, your request will automatically route to Galter’s interlibrary loan service, which typically provides articles within one to four business days – sent directly to your Northwestern email address. Both services are available at no cost to Feinberg users.

• Immediate viewing: Once processed, Article Galaxy Scholar opens the PDF in your browser so you can start reading without digging through email. 
• Email confirmation: You’ll also get a message from “Reprints Desk” (the delivery service) at your @northwestern.edu address. 
• Save your copy: The email includes a download link that is active for 30 days. You will only be able to download the article from this link 3 times. Please save the PDF to your computer or mobile device right away and give it a recognizable file name. This helps you find it later and prevents duplicate requests and avoidable costs. 
• Check your spam or junk folder: If the email does not appear promptly, check your spam folder and consider adding reprintsdesk.com to your list of permitted senders.

To get the most from this new service and to simplify how you access full-text journal articles, we strongly recommend installing the LibKey Nomad browser extension. Once installed, LibKey Nomad connects your browser to Northwestern Libraries’ subscriptions, allowing one-click access to PDFs from publisher websites, PubMed, Google Scholar, Wikipedia, and more. A small button will appear on compatible webpages, showing your level of access, such as “Download PDF,” “Article Link,” or “Request via Interlibrary Loan.” If the full text isn’t available, LibKey Nomad will automatically generate a pre-filled interlibrary loan request to help you get the article quickly. 

LibKey Nomad provides seamless access both on and off campus (with Duo authentication when needed) and saves time by connecting you directly to content Galter Library already subscribes to or guiding you to the fastest way to request it. Step-by-step installation instructions and troubleshooting help are available here: Getting Started with LibKey Nomad Browser Extension.

While the process for requesting articles will appear mostly unchanged, the speed and scope of what happens behind the scenes has improved. Rapid document delivery reduces wait times and access barriers, supporting timely research, clinical care, and teaching. For detailed instructions and screenshots, visit the GalterGuide on How to Find Resources. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Galter Library at ghsl-ref@northwestern.edu.