KU Libraries adds access to LaTex platform Overleaf

KU Libraries has negotiated a new deal providing faculty and staff on the KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses access to Overleaf, a cloud-based platform for writing, editing, and collaborating on scientific and technical documents using LaTeX, a markup system to format documents.  

The subscription provides access to Overleaf Premium, which is used to produce research papers, grant proposals, theses and dissertations, conference papers, and other technical documents that rely on LaTeX typesetting for complex equations, tables, figures and bibliographies. 

Paul Thomas, KU Libraries' graduate engagement librarian, will oversee the platform and lead workshops and training sessions for campus users. 

“LaTeX remains the preferred document-preparation system in many STEM fields, especially for research that includes complex equations and technical notation," Thomas said. “Overleaf is widely regarded as one of the leading LaTeX platforms, given its user-friendly interface and its web-based editing capabilities. KU's access to Overleaf's full features will help promote the wider use of LaTeX while also supporting more efficient scholarly research practices.” 

Overleaf allows multiple authors to write and edit a document simultaneously, track changes in real time, and keep a complete project history — an upgrade over tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word for technical writing. The platform also integrates with reference managers such as Zotero and EndNote, and with services like GitHub and Dropbox. 

KU Libraries has offered LaTeX guidance for graduate students for years through its thesis and dissertation formatting guide, maintained by Thomas. Overleaf access builds on that support by removing the need for users to install and manage LaTeX software locally, and the agreement saves students and faculty $100 and $400 per year, respectively, for an individual annual Overleaf subscription. 

In addition to the guide or personal consultations with Thomas, group training sessions on using Overleaf will be offered and a schedule is in development. Graduate students may consider taking part in related Fridays on Fourth workshops: 

• Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Formatting, Oct. 2, Noon in Watson Library 455 and online  
• ETD Submission, Oct. 9, Noon in Watson Library 455 and online 

An “Overleaf Commons” will be hosted by Thomas on March 5, as part of the Fridays on Fourth spring slate of workshops.  

KU Lawrence and Edwards campus users can find more information, or a link to log in or create an account through KU's Overleaf portal at lib.ku.edu/overleaf. 

Questions about the subscription or training opportunities can be directed to Paul Thomas at paulthomas@ku.edu.