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kthorn
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Finding Open Access Papers

Query the Unpaywall REST API by DOI to return the best open-access PDF URL.

118|12|Updated Oct 11, 2025
Search Tags:#automation#research#document access#paywall bypass#full text#Unpaywall#open access
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/kthorn/research-superpower --skill finding-open-access-papers
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Finding Open Access Papers
Source: https://github.com/kthorn/research-superpower/tree/main/skills/research/finding-open-access-papers
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/kthorn/research-superpower --skill finding-open-access-papers

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solves? Encountering paywalls for highly relevant papers can halt research progress and waste valuable time searching for alternative access. This skill automates the search for legally available open-access versions, saving you from frustration and ensuring uninterrupted research.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Unpaywall Integration: Queries the Unpaywall API by DOI to identify free full-text versions.
  • Prioritized Access: Extracts the best available open-access location, prioritizing published versions over preprints.
  • Automated Download: Provides direct links to download PDFs, seamlessly integrating into your research workflow.
  • Use Case: When you hit a paywall for a critical paper, simply ask Claude to "find an open access version for DOI 10.1038/nature12373." This skill will automatically check Unpaywall and, if available, provide a direct link to download the free full text, allowing your research to continue uninterrupted.

Quick Start

Example: Find open access version for a paywalled paper

"Find the open access version for the paper with DOI 10.1038/nature12373."

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Open Access Papers

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I access paywalled research papers for free?▼

Open access papers can be found using the Unpaywall API, which searches for legally available free versions of paywalled research. Provide a DOI and the system queries Unpaywall to locate and return direct download links to full-text PDFs, bypassing publisher paywalls while respecting copyright.

Can I use DOI lookup to find open access versions automatically?▼

Yes. DOI resolution through Unpaywall identifies open access versions by querying their database of legally available papers. The system prioritizes published versions over preprints and returns the best available full-text location with direct PDF links.

What's the best way to find full-text papers when PubMed Central isn't available?▼

Unpaywall integration provides an alternative by searching across repositories and publisher archives for free full-text access. It checks multiple legitimate sources and returns the highest-quality open access version available for your DOI.

Does open access paper lookup work with any DOI?▼

Open access lookup works with valid DOIs. Not all papers have free versions available, but Unpaywall checks comprehensive sources including institutional repositories, preprint servers, and publisher-hosted open access editions to maximize discovery.

How do I integrate automated paper access into my research workflow?▼

Provide a DOI and optional email to the Unpaywall integration, which returns OA status and the best_oa_location PDF URL. Direct links enable seamless downloading into your workflow without manual searching across multiple databases.

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