What is the OneSearch Assistant?
Answer
Pierce Library is currently beta testing a new tool called OneSearch Assistant, a tool powered by Generative AI, to help researchers find library sources. You can use it to search for academic sources using natural language.
How Can I Access OneSearch Assistant?
You can access OneSearch Assistant by selecting "Assistant" from the top menu in OneSearch. You will need to sign into your account using the same credentials you use for your portal and Canvas.
How Does It Work?
OneSearch Assistant uses Generative AI to identify five library sources relevant to your question, and then writes a brief summary of those sources to help answer your question. In its answer, OneSearch Assistant will provide citations so you can see where the information is coming from, fact check the responses, and dive deeper into your topic. It will also provide you with the opportunity to browse other relevant library sources.
You can search with OneSearch Assistant using natural language, such as "How does sleep deprivation affect college students' academic performance?"
Tips for Use
- Works best when you ask a clear question about academic or scientific topics.
- The five sources identified are just a starting point. For more sources, click the "View more results from your library search" button.
- Click the "Try again" button if you are not satisfied with your results. You may receive different results on different attempts.
- You can provide feedback on OneSearch Assistant's responses by using the thumbs up and thumbs down buttons below the summary.
Limitations
- Currently, there is no way to ask for specific types of sources. If you have requirements for your sources, such as peer-reviewed articles or sources published within a date range, select "View more results from your library search," and then you can apply the appropriate filters in OneSearch.
- OneSearch Assistant does not currently support follow-up questions, although it will suggest related research questions that are AI-generated.