Why does Google Scholar display an "Invalid domain for site key" error when I search?
Answer
During unusually busy periods, Google may attempt to rate-limit anonymous Scholar searches from Rush IP addresses by forcing users to complete a reCAPCHA.
Unfortunately, if you're accessing Google Scholar through a Rush web proxy like EZproxy, it may not be possible to complete the reCAPCHA, which will display the message "Invalid domain for site key" (this is referring to a mismatch between the expected domain, google.com, and the proxied domain, which ends with e.g. ezproxy.rush.edu).
It is usually possible to work around this error by doing one of the following:
- Sign in to your personal Google account. The problematic reCAPCHA is only displayed for Scholar searches submitted by anonymous users.
- Access Google Scholar directly, without using a proxy, at https://scholar.google.com. Be aware that doing so may remove Rush's Get It links from your results and complicate full-text access through Rush's subscriptions. To reinstate missing Get It links, follow the instructions in our guide to add your Rush affiliation to your Google account.
- Finally, waiting will clear the message. Once the rate of anonymous Scholar searches submitted from Rush IP addresses has fallen, Google will lift the reCAPCHA requirement.