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University of Minnesota

Kathryn A. Martin Library

Google Scholar

Intro

Whether Google Scholar is the first resource you turn to or you use something else to start your research process, it is a useful tool to find information and connect you back to library materials. This guide will walk through the integration steps to connect your account to UMD's library as well as some tips for using Google Scholar.

Why would you use Google Scholar?

Librarians recommend searching across a variety of resources including Google Scholar to get a full picture on your topic. Here are a few of the reasons you may turn to Google Scholar for your research. 

  • Identifying gaps -- the library has a wide variety of materials but Google Scholar may help fill gaps in your research that the library doesn't have
  • Cited By -- helps you move forward and backward in time to follow a scholarly conversation from a single article and will help you find relevant information on your topic
  • Journal metrics -- helps you identify top journals in a particular discipline 
  • Simplified search -- organize by date
  • Familiar interface -- intuitive for people who use Google as a search engine

The downside of using Google Scholar is that you may run into paywalls, where a publisher requires that you pay a fee to view the material. To avoid this, be sure to link to UMD's Library by integrating using Library Links so you can access or request materials for free.

While Google Scholar feels familiar, searching is not as effective as a library database. It takes precise keywords to retrieve relevant results and it's unclear how the search functions behind the scenes. Google Scholar tends towards confirmation bias because of these limitations. Library resources allow for a more controlled, customized search experience.

If you would like help navigating library resources, including tips on how to search, contact Research Help. 

Google Scholar and Library Links

UMD Library users can link their UMD user accounts with Google Scholar which allows for quicker access to scholarly articles. Take advantage of database and subscriptions through our FindIt! link resolver!

  • Go to scholar.google.com
  • Sign in with your UMD Credentials in upper right hand corner
  • In the upper left hand corner, click on the three parallel lines, then on the gear/sprocket

Google Scholar Advance Interface, as indicated by the Gear Box in the Upper Left Hand Corner

  • Click on the Library Links Tab. Search UMD Library, and check the box for "University of Minnesota Duluth - Findit@UMD. (You can also add "World Cat" & "University of Minnesota Duluth - ProQuest Full text")