What is it?

Google Scholar is a search engine that allows you to search for scholarly materials on a topic.  Instead of searching the entire web (like Google), Google Scholar searches the scholarly literature provided by numerous academic publishers, professional societies, universities and scholarly organizations.

What's included in a Google Scholar search?

Search results include citations from peer-reviewed journals, theses, papers, books and technical reports.  For the most part, Google Scholar provides citation-only results.  The full-text of an article or book can be accessed by using the Get it @ Duke link.
Note: While Google Scholar includes literature from all subject areas, it is considerably stronger in the sciences.  

When should I use it?

• When you're beginning a project or paper and want to supplement your findings in other library databases
• When you have a citation and want to track down the full-text of the article or book in the library   

How do I use Google Scholar when I'm off campus?

If you are using Google Scholar off campus, you will need to set your Scholar Preferences to Duke University Libraries. 
Select the wheel icon ("Options") in the tool bar in the top right corner, and select "Scholar Preferences."

Beside Library Links, enter Duke University Libraries.
Then select "Find Library": 

Make sure you select "Save Preferences" before beginning your search.
Once your preferences are set, you'll be able to connect to the online or print version of the article/book by using the Get it @ Duke link.

Can I use Google Scholar with RefWorks or Endnote?

Yes. You can set your Scholar Preferences (see above) to provide links to import your citations to EndNote or RefWorks within the Bibliography Manager section of the page:

If you have any more questions about Google Scholar, Ask a Librarian!