If you struggle to understand how to structure a successful library search … if Boolean operators are baffling … try the library's new Natural Language Search! With the flip of a switch, you can type in queries like you would if you were searching Google or other search engines. You can use natural, everyday conversational language instead of complicated strings of keywords and operators.
1. Traditional Library Search (Using Keywords & Boolean Operators):
Search Query:autism AND emdr AND adolescents
In this case, the search is using the Boolean operator "AND" to combine the three keywords (autism, emdr, adolescents). This limits the search results to articles that contain all three terms, but requires the user to know the appropriate keywords and operators.
2. Natural Language Search:
Search Query:What are the effects of EMDR on adolescents with autism?
In a natural language search, the query is phrased like a question or sentence, using everyday language. The search engine or database interprets the intent behind the query and looks for relevant results without needing Boolean operators or specific keywords.
Natural language searching uses artificial intelligence. When a search is executed using Natural Language Search mode, the query is sent to a Large Language Model (LLM). This model interprets the natural language input and EBSCO’s search capability generates relevant search results based on the AI's understanding. Importantly, no user data is stored or used for training the AI, maintaining privacy and security throughout the process (Ebsco, 2025)
If you struggle to understand how to structure a successful library search … if Boolean operators are baffling … try the library's new Natural Language Search! With the flip of a switch, you can type in queries like you would if you were searching Google or other search engines. You can use natural, everyday conversational language instead of complicated strings of keywords and operators.
1. Traditional Library Search (Using Keywords & Boolean Operators):
Search Query: autism AND emdr AND adolescents
In this case, the search is using the Boolean operator "AND" to combine the three keywords (autism, emdr, adolescents). This limits the search results to articles that contain all three terms, but requires the user to know the appropriate keywords and operators.
2. Natural Language Search:
Search Query: What are the effects of EMDR on adolescents with autism?
In a natural language search, the query is phrased like a question or sentence, using everyday language. The search engine or database interprets the intent behind the query and looks for relevant results without needing Boolean operators or specific keywords.
Natural language searching uses artificial intelligence. When a search is executed using Natural Language Search mode, the query is sent to a Large Language Model (LLM). This model interprets the natural language input and EBSCO’s search capability generates relevant search results based on the AI's understanding. Importantly, no user data is stored or used for training the AI, maintaining privacy and security throughout the process (Ebsco, 2025)