Why might I need Google Scholar?
Google Scholar is an academic equivalent of Google. It works by 'indexing' the data contained in scholarly literature—different formats and across all disciplines—so that the user can find relevant research. It is freely available here: https://scholar.google.com/
What is Lean Library?
Google Scholar can be frustrating to use because it is often unclear whether or not you have access to the results it finds. The Library has solved this problem for you through the purchase of Lean Library. Lean Library is an extension that you download to your browser that lets you know if the University of Derby provides the content for you. If you are using Google Scholar, then it is highly recommended that you use Lean Library.
How does Google Scholar relate to Library Search?
Google Scholar and Library Search are similar in one way, but they are very different in other ways:
Similarities
They include data from many different academic publishers and institutions.
Differences
Library Search provides a definitive account of the sources that it includes—thereby providing you with transparency.
Library Search tells you immediately whether or not you have access to the resources you find. You can even request inter-library loans if the Library does not have the work you need.
Library Search is a complete, authoritative information portal for your journey at the University of Derby.
Google Scholar can be difficult to search effectively.
But, Google Scholar can surprise and provide results from quite hidden research environments.
Should I use Google Scholar?
There is nothing inherently wrong with Google Scholar, but I would highly recommend not using it as your only source of information. Use it in conjunction with Library Search and the other databases described in this section of the LibGuide. And do remember to install Lean Library if you are using Google Scholar!
The following video introduces you to the basics of constructing a search using AND, OR, and ()
You may find these search strings useful to copy and paste into Google Scholar when combined with other concepts. If you have any questions about how to use them, or suggestions for their improvement, then do please get in touch.
Searching for Age Groups
Foundation Years
(“early years” OR reception OR nursery OR nurseries OR EYFS)
(age AROUND (1) (3 OR 4 OR 5))
Example of use: (“early years” OR reception OR nursery OR nurseries OR EYFS) AND science AND teach
Primary School
(KS1 OR “key stage 1” OR “year 1” OR “year 2” OR “primary school”)
(age AROUND (1) (5 OR 6 OR 7))
(KS2 OR “key stage 2” OR “year 3” OR “year 4” OR “year 5” OR “year 6” OR “primary school”)
(age AROUND (1) (7 OR 8 OR 9 OR 10 OR 11))
Example of use: (KS2 OR “key stage 2” OR “year 3” OR “year 4” OR “year 5” OR “year 6” OR “primary school”) AND science AND teach
Secondary School
(KS3 OR “key stage 3” OR “year 7” OR “year 8” OR “year 9” OR “secondary school”)
(age AROUND (1) (12 OR 13 OR 14))
(KS4 OR “key stage 4” OR “year 10” OR “year 11” OR “secondary school”)
(age AROUND (1) (14 OR 15 OR 16))
(KS5 OR “key stage 5” OR “year 12” OR “year 13” OR “secondary school”)
(age AROUND (1) (17 OR 18))
Example of use: (age AROUND (1) (14 OR 15 OR 16)) AND (english OR math) AND teach
