NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and writing assistant from Google designed to work with your specific source materials. Unlike general-purpose chatbots that draw from the entire internet, NotebookLM grounds its responses exclusively in the documents you upload, such as PDFs, Google Docs, or web links. Once your sources are added, it becomes a personalized expert on that information, allowing you to ask questions, summarize complex topics, generate ideas, and create outlines based solely on the provided content. A key feature is its ability to generate responses with in-line citations, linking directly back to the specific passages in your original documents, which helps you to quickly verify facts and synthesize information more effectively.
Visit our Primo Research Guide if you have any questions.
When you're beginning a research project, start by searching in Primo to get a general overview of what's available. Once you have a sense of your topic, move on to subject-specific databases—these are great for finding more detailed and focused information.
To make your searches more effective, try using Boolean operators:
Start with a broad search and then narrow it down as you learn more. If you already have a general idea of your topic, use a wide keyword and then adjust based on what you find.
Pay attention to the keywords and subject terms in the articles you read. These can help you come up with better search terms. If you're getting too many results, try adding more specific words to your search.
To search for an exact phrase, put it in quotation marks. For example, searching for "social media addiction" will find that exact phrase, not just the individual words.
If you're reading a long article, e-book, or webpage and want to find something quickly, press CTRL + F (or Command + F on a Mac). This opens a search box that lets you find specific words or phrases in the document.
Finally, remember to keep your writing clear, formal, and informative when working on research assignments. Good research is not just about finding information—it's about communicating it well.
If you need more, check our advanced guide to Database Search Tips.
