InfoSkills for Global Law

How library databases differ from Google Scholar

• Search engines like Google Scholar support natural language searching
  which allows you to type full sentences or questions – just like you might when asking something on Google. For example, you could search "How does social media use affect the self-esteem of adolescents?" and Google Scholar will automatically identify and prioritize keywords (search terms) such as social media, self-esteem, and adolescents to return relevant results.
• Library databases typically do not support natural language searching 
  While some are starting to incorporate limited natural language capabilities and AI-enhanced features, the majority still perform best with well-structured keyword searches. Below is the same search statement performed in the database Web of Science:
  Clearly, the way this search statement is formulated is not compatible with this database. Instead, the database requires a more structured approach, using logical combinations of search terms. To search effectively, you’ll need to break your topic into core concepts and combine them strategically using appropriate search techniques.

  So, how do you communicate exactly what you want in a database’s own “language”? That’s what this module is all about.