FAQ: How do I use the EBSCO Natural Language search?

How do I use the EBSCO Natural Language Search?

In EBSCOhost databases, EBSCO has introduced a new Natural Language Search mode. This does not replace traditional searching; instead, it is an additional search option you can try. The Natural Language Search allows you to enter a question using everyday language similar to a Google search, which is then transformed using an Artificial Intelligence Large Language Model into a Boolean search (a standard library search method using AND, OR, NOT to form a nuanced query).

You may then view your results along with the constructed Boolean search to:

1) To determine if the tool interpreted your natural language question accurately

2) See how Boolean queries are constructed from research questions

3) See if you want to revise your question to improve your results

On the Advanced Search page (the default), the option "Natural language search" is available in the Search options tab, in the Search modes section:

After running an Advanced Search or Basic Natural Language Search, in the results page, you will see the results retrieved by EBSCOhost plus an option "Show refined query," which will display the Boolean search that the tool ran based on your question:

This allows you to see how the Natural Language Search has interpreted your question(query) and turned it into a Boolean search:

Additional information on Boolean operators and keyword searches, can be viewed in the FAQ: What is Boolean searching and how can I use it in library databases? For more information about Artificial Intelligence see our AI and Media Literacy This link opens in a new window guide.

For more information, see EBSCO's documentation:

• Introducing EBSCO’s AI Natural Language Search Mode This link opens in a new window
• EBSCOhost's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Fact Sheet - Natural Language Search This link opens in a new window