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Medical Laboratory Technology

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Google Scholar Search

Google Scholar: What You Need to Know

Google Scholar is a valuable research tool, but it has limitations compared to academic databases. When deciding whether to use Google Scholar or a CCCC Library subscription database, consider the following:

Strengths of Google Scholar:

  • Helps identify journal titles and authors related to a subject.
  • Locates more information on partial citations.
  • Includes "gray literature" like conference proceedings and technical reports.
  • Provides access to books and articles in a single search.

Limitations of Google Scholar:

  • Lacks options to sort by discipline, browse by title, or limit search results.
  • Does not provide a transparent list of sources, making it unclear what is included or missing.
  • Results may include non-scholarly materials such as PowerPoints, news announcements, or unpublished works.
  • Access to full text depends on open-access availability or if an author has shared their work online.

Maximizing Google Scholar in Research:

  • Use it as a starting point to identify key sources and authors.
  • Cross-check citations in academic databases for full-text access.

For thorough research, combining Google Scholar with academic databases ensures more accurate and comprehensive results.

Tips for Using Google Scholar

  • Save Articles – Use the ⭐ feature to save articles to your library.

  • Generate Citations – Click " (quotation mark) for citations in popular styles and export options.

  • Track Citations – "Cited By" shows works that reference the article, indicating its influence.

  • Find Similar Articles – "Related Articles" links to content on similar topics.

  • Search Author Names – Use first initials, as many articles list only initials.

  • Use Journal Abbreviations – Try J Biol Chem instead of Journal of Biological Chemistry.

  • Refine Searches – Click the three-line menu (☰) for Advanced Search options.

Google Scholar ranks results by weighing article text, author, publication, and citation count. A high "Cited By" number suggests greater impact in its field.