Google Scholar allows you to search scholarly articles indexed by Google. Although it includes some articles which the Library subscribes to, it does not index everything which can be found in subscription databases. In order to access articles the Library subscribes to, you will need to set up Library Links.
Pros
Cons
Alternatives
There are many alternatives to Google Scholar, two of these are Connected Papers and Elicit.
Setting up Library Links
Setting up Library Links on Google Scholar allows you to directly access articles indexed on Google Scholar with the Library is subscribed to.
In order to set up and access library links off-campus, you will need to be connected to the University of Bath VPN.
1. You will need to create a Google account which you can do from the Google homepage by clicking 'sign in' from the top right-hand corner. 
2. Go to Google Scholar click on the left-hand menu
3. then click on 'Settings' at the end of the left-hand menu.
4. Choose 'Library Links'.
5. Enter 'University of Bath' and ensure this option is ticked.
6. Press 'Save'.
Now when you search for an item it will say 'full text available' if subscribed to by the Library and allow you access to the resource.
Advanced search in Google Scholar
This page will tell you how to access the advanced search form in Google Scholar. For details on using combination key words, punctuation and other tools searching Google Scholar, please see our Google advanced search guide.
We recommend that you sign into your Google account and have library links set up before you begin your advanced search, this allows you to save sites and access articles we subscribe to. You will be able to find many more articles searching through the Library catalogue for articles or going directly to Library databases which will have a greater number of articles indexed and are subject specific. If you're unsure which database to use, we recommend you go to your library subject guide (linked off the Library home page) and then chose the 'Search the Literature' and or 'Learning at Bath' pages to find resources for your subject. You can also email us at library@bath.ac.uk for further help or to book an appointment.
Accessing the form
Go to Google Scholar then press the hamburger icon on the top left of the screen to view the navigation pane.
Then click on Advanced Search towards the bottom of the navigation pane and then the advanced search form will appear.
If you have already carried out a search before using the advanced search form, Google Scholar may automatically populate some of the fields. This is most likely to happen if you've used the search syntax mentioned on our advanced search guide.
Saving results
When searching Google Scholar you can save your search results by clicking 'Save'.
These results will then be saved in 'My Library' on Google Scholar.
Citing results
To download a citation, on a search result choose 'Cite' then select EndNote.
(Please note that the Harvard citation may be different from Harvard Bath and you will need to adapt it, see our referencing guide for more information.)
In the settings, you can also set your preferred referencing management software in the Bibliography manager from a short list.
However, you will still have to select your preferred option when you choose 'Cite' on a citation.