How to search using AI
Generative AI tools can be a great starting point when searching for literature or data for an assignment. They can help you develop ideas, identify different angles and structure your searches.
We provide practical tips on how to use AI in a thoughtful way and introduce you to the tools available through the library.
How to use artificial intelligence for searching
Brainstorm and generate more keywords
AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Claude can be highly effective when you need to find the right search terms for your assignment.
Start with your research question: Which key concepts are included? With AI, you can quickly brainstorm synonyms, abbreviations and related concepts, helping you cover your topic from multiple perspectives.
Build a search string
When you have a solid set of keywords, the next step is to group and combine them with the boolean operators AND and OR. This creates a precise and systematic search string that works well in search systems.
Generative AI can help you put together the search string, ready to insert it into, for example, Libsearch or Business Source Ultimate.
On the page How to search using keywords we explain how the technique behind boolean operators works.
Search using natural language
If you find keywords and structured search strings difficult, there are other options. In several search systems, you can ask questions in natural language.
You can also start from a piece of prose and use it to find relevant literature. This could be an abstract from a relevant article or a text you have written yourself, such as a synopsis. Based on the content of the text, you will receive relevant references.
Explore the systems provided by the library. They search specifically in articles and books.
Get suggestions for data sources and data needs
Be cautious when searching for data, as generative AI does not have access to data sources and may suggest fabricated or outdated data.
However, AI can be helpful when you need to:
- Formulate your data needs clearly
- Identify relevant data sources
- Clarify concepts and methods
Remember: Always use original data sources for factual documentation and analysis rather than potentially fabricated data.
Beware of fabricated references
Do not believe everything you hear.
If you ask large AI systems such as ChatGPT and Copilot for literature suggestions within your topic, be aware that the answers are based on statistical models, and the systems do not know whether they are right or wrong.
As a result, you may be given references to articles and books that look correct but do not exist. This is called hallucinations. Always be critical and try to verify the texts and data sources it suggests.
Brainstorm keywords and create search strings with AI
Learn how to use generative AI to brainstorm and build a structured search string that you can insert into databases such as Libsearch or Scopus.
See how to get started
AI-powered search systems
Explore new ways of finding and evaluating literature. Here are three of the library’s innovative AI search tools.
You can also explore how an article has been cited and see whether the citing papers agree, disagree or remain neutral towards the original article.
How to declare use of AI in assignments
If you have used AI for idea generation, structuring, writing or as a research tool, you must state this in your assignment.
See examples of how to do so.
Save the sources you find
Use a reference management tool to save all the useful sources you discover. That way, you will not need to search for them again, and it is easier to insert citations and create reference lists in your assignments.
