Library Services
Google Scholar can be used as a huge, free online academic database. It’s a great resource but should be used with care.
Think about the keywords that you’re using – make them as specific as possible to your subject.
The Advanced Search option allows you to specify particular journals or authors and specifying a date range is an easy way to narrow your search.
Use Google’s ‘Advanced Search Tips’ for help making your search more specific.
Don’t just look at the first page of results.
Sometimes a link to the full text is available directly from Google Scholar.
Even if there isn’t a link we may have the material in the library. Find the publication title and copy it into the ‘journal title’ search on the library catalogue.
One disadvantage of using Google Scholar is that it finds material that you don’t have access to at all.
If you need the material then you can order it with our Document Supply service.
Sometimes when searching you will see a link to University of Bedfordshire access. When you are on campus you should be able to go straight to the full text of this item by clicking on the link.
When you are off campus you will need to click on Scholar Preferences in the top right of the screen. Scroll down the page and you will see an option Library Links. You can choose up to three libraries you are a member of and Google Scholar will check that libraries holdings to find full text links to the items retrieved on your search. For more information on this service click here
