Acquire - Beyond Google Scholar

Ask | Acquire/Find | Appraise | Apply | A self evaluation

What can I use Google Scholar for?

Many of you will be familiar with Google Scholar Links to an external site. and will have used it for your assignments. 

Google Scholar can be used for a preliminary search to identify keywords and phrases associated with your topic. These can be used to plan and execute your search in evidence-based resources.

You can also use Google Scholar for pearl growing techniques which are outlined in more detail on the following page.

Limitations to Google Scholar

There are  limitations to Google Scholar

• It does not have every article ever published.
• It may not contain much information related to New Zealand.
• As it is multidisciplinary, it may be difficult to find information specifically related to your discipline. 
• It has limited options for refining your search strategy

Evidence-based resources 

You will need to use evidence-based resources to find information. These resources allow for a more focused search, with more options to refine your search.

It is important to become familiar with these resources and learn how to search them effectively,
using the strategies and techniques you will learn about in this tutorial.