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Library Essentials Tutorial

What is QuickSearch?

The QuickSearch discovery tool on the library homepage allows you to search across most of the SHU Library's databases and other resources at once.

When QuickSearch is helpful:

  • You're unsure which specific database to start with

  • You're researching a narrow topic with limited literature

  • You want to quickly assess how much research exists on a topic

Using QuickSearch

You have two options for how to use the QuickSearch. 

Option 1: Basic QuickSearch

Where: Library homepage search box

What it offers: Quick filtering options below the search field

Available filters:

  • Full-text only

  • Peer-reviewed only

Best for: Simple, straightforward searches

Option 2: Advanced QuickSearch

Where: Click the "Advanced Search" button

What it offers:

  • Multiple search fields

  • Additional filter options

  • More search control (similar to individual databases)

Best for: Combining multiple concepts or using specialized filters

Natural Language Search

QuickSearch includes a Natural Language Search feature that lets you search using complete questions instead of keywords. This feature is unique to QuickSearch and is not available in individual library databases.

How to use Natural Language Search:

Step 1: Type your research question in the QuickSearch box

Example: "How can therapy dogs help reduce stress in college students?" (Use natural language—don't worry about keywords)

Step 2: Click Search

Step 3: On the results page, toggle on the Natural Language Search option

 Natural Language Search analyzes the meaning of your question (not just individual keywords) and finds relevant results.

Tip: When using this tool, you can try both regular keyword searching and Natural Language Search to see which gives you better results for your topic.

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