If you’re reading the abstract of a scientific article, a simple Chrome extension called Unpaywall can instantly show whether or not the full text it is available via Open Access (that is, for free). Created by the nonprofit research firm Impactstory, Unpaywall simply shows a small “unlocked” emblem on the margin of the browser if an article is accessible via Open Access.

Tests run using Unpaywall have shown that as many as fifty percent of all papers for which access was attempted may be accessible for free.

If you regularly read or write Open Access scientific articles and you use the Chrome browser, try installing Unpaywall today!